You might notice some uninvited guests buzzing around your windows amidst the crisp autumn air. If you’ve suddenly found a slow-moving, clumsy swarm of flies inside your home, you’re likely dealing with cluster flies. These pests aren’t a sign of poor sanitation; rather, they are seeking a warm place to survive the winter. Read on to learn more about cluster fly control.
What Are Cluster Flies?
Cluster flies look similar to common house flies, but they behave differently. They are slightly larger and have a pattern of golden-brown hairs on their thorax. Unlike house flies, they don’t breed indoors or feed on garbage. Instead, they are parasitic on earthworms, laying their eggs in the soil during the summer. The adult flies emerge in late summer and early fall, and as temperatures drop, they begin searching for sheltered places to overwinter.
Why They Invade Your Home in the Fall
Your home provides the perfect winter retreat for cluster flies. They are drawn to the warmth radiated by sunny walls, especially on the south and west sides of a building. From there, they find their way inside through small cracks and crevices around windows, eaves, and siding. Once inside, they gather in clusters—hence their name—in wall voids, attics, and false ceilings. You may not even know they are there until a warm, sunny day in winter or early spring rouses them, and they emerge sleepily into your living spaces, often congregating at windows.
Prevention and Management for Cluster Fly Control
Sealing your home is the most effective first step. Before the fall season begins, inspect the exterior of your house for any potential entry points.
- Caulk cracks around windows, doorframes, and behind chimneys.
- Repair or replace damaged window screens and screen vents.
- Seal openings for utility lines and pipes.
While these preventive measures help, cluster flies can still find their way in. Once they’ve established themselves in your walls, swatting the ones you see is only a temporary fix.
For a comprehensive and lasting solution for cluster fly control, professional help is essential. At Allison Pest Control, our technicians have the expertise to handle cluster fly infestations. We can apply targeted treatments to the exterior of your home to prevent flies from entering and address any existing populations inside. Don’t let these annoying pests take over your home this fall. Contact Allison Pest Control today for a professional evaluation and effective treatment plan.
