About Cluster flies
Cluster flies are a common pest problem for homeowners and businesses across Enfield and Haringey. These flies are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to the structure of a building if left untreated. These flies get their name because they tend to gather in large numbers, or “clusters,” especially when they enter buildings to hibernate during the colder months of the year.
In this blog article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about this fly species, including their behaviour, life cycle, and how to prevent and control infestations in your home and business.
Signs of a Cluster fly Infestation
The most obvious sign of a cluster fly infestation is the presence of the flies themselves. Appearing in spring, this fly species will begin to lay eggs outside and will hibernate in your home around near winter, around August time. They are attracted to warm, dark places to hibernate. These flies are found in numbers in lofts or the upper levels of homes or buildings including lofts, whereas typical house flies are more commonly found in kitchens and living areas. The first signs of cluster flies can be around windows. They can also leave stains on your property and when they die in numbers can be very unsightly and some people may find this distressing.
What do cluster flies look like?
Cluster flies are typically larger and slower moving than other common house flies. They’re around 8mm long, dark grey colour with a characteristic golden or yellowish-brown colour and are often mistaken for the common house fly. They also tend to move in a slow, lazy manner.
How do cluster flies differ from other types of flies?
Cluster flies are larger, around 8mm, and slower-moving than common house flies and have a distinct pattern of yellowish, golden hairs on their thorax.
Where do Cluster flies come from?
These flies have a fascinating life cycle that explains where they come from and why they might end up in your home. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Earthworm Parasites: Cluster fly larvae are parasites of earthworms. Adult female cluster flies lay their eggs in cracks in the soil. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into earthworms and feed on them.
2. Development and Generations: The larvae develop inside the earthworms, eventually pupating in the soil before emerging as adult flies. There are typically a few generations of cluster flies throughout the spring and summer.
3. Seeking Shelter: As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, adult cluster flies seek shelter to survive the winter. In their natural environment, they might hibernate in tree bark or other natural crevices. However, they are often attracted to buildings, especially houses, as these provide warm and protected spaces.
4. Attraction to Buildings: Flies are particularly drawn to sunny sides of houses. They often enter through small cracks and openings around windows, doors, and siding. Once inside, they may congregate in attics, wall voids, and other secluded areas to overwinter.
5. Not Breeding Indoors: It’s important to note that cluster flies do not breed indoors. They enter homes solely to find shelter from the cold. Cluster flies have a life cycle that typically lasts for about a month.
Health concerns with cluster flies
While the flies do not pose a direct health risk to humans or pets, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The flies tend to release a musty odour which can be a source of allergies, breathing problems, and headaches.
How long do the flies stay?
Throughout autumn and winter, you will find these in large congregations hibernating in attics, sheds and garages but as soon as spring comes around, they will make their way back outside.
How to get rid of these flies
These flies can be a real nuisance, but there are several effective ways to prevent and get rid of them:
1. Prevention: Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home: Carefully check for cracks and gaps in walls, windows, doors, and around pipes or vents. Cluster flies can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
Seal with caulk: Use caulk to seal any cracks and gaps you find, especially around windows and door frames.
Weather-stripping: Install weather-stripping around doors and windows to create a tighter seal.
Screens: Ensure all windows and doors have intact screens.
2. Eliminate Existing Cluster Flies
Vacuuming: A vacuum cleaner is a very effective tool for removing cluster flies. Use the hose attachment to reach them in hard-to-reach areas. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterward to prevent the flies from escaping.
Fly swatters: For individual flies, a fly swatter can be a quick solution.
Insecticides: Insecticide sprays can be effective, but use them cautiously and follow the instructions on the label. Consider using natural alternatives like sprays made with vinegar or citrus oils.
Sticky traps: Flypaper or sticky traps can capture cluster flies, especially when placed near windows or in attics.
3. Long-Term Solutions
Attic ventilation: Ensure your attic is properly ventilated to reduce moisture and make it less attractive to Cluster flies.
Installing Electronic Fly Killers and Fly screens around doors and windows.
4. Professional Pest Control
Fogging treatment: Fogging can be an effective method for controlling these flies, especially in large or hard-to-reach areas like attics. Here’s what you need to know: Foggers release a fine mist of insecticide that fills the enclosed space, penetrating cracks and crevices where Cluster flies hide.
Fast knockdown: Foggers provide a quick knockdown of cluster flies that are present at the time of treatment.
Additional Tips
Citronella: Cluster flies tend to avoid the scent of citronella. You can place citronella candles or diffusers in affected areas.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled in areas where cluster flies congregate. It dehydrates and kills insects.
By combining these methods, you can effectively control cluster flies and prevent them from becoming a major problem in your home.
That said, cluster flies can return to the same location year on year so even if you eliminate your cluster fly problem one year you are likely to experience an issue in future years. But taking preventative steps may reduce the likelihood of that happening.
Cluster fly conclusion
In summary: Cluster flies originate from earthworms in the ground outside. They become a nuisance when they seek shelter in buildings during autumn and winter periods. This can be highly disruptive in your home and business. To get rid of Cluster flies you can use your vacuum cleaner, aerosol fly killer or call your local professionals at Sparta pest control who will be able to give you advice, with the option of a fogging treatment for more effective results.
