What Are Cluster Flies and How Do You Get Rid of a Cluster Fly Infestation?

Cluster flies are giant, dark grey insects that invade homes in autumn, seeking warmth for winter hibernation. They enter through tiny openings in buildings, gathering in attics and wall voids. Identifying features include their 8mm length, gold hair patches, and long wings. To combat infestations, homeowners can use citronella fragrances, spray fly killers, and vacuum-affected areas. For severe cases, professional pest control is recommended. Experts may employ foggers for effective elimination. Understanding the seasonal cycle of cluster flies aids in prevention and treatment strategies.

How did cluster flies get into my home?

Cluster flies typically enter homes through small openings and cracks in the building’s exterior, seeking shelter as temperatures drop. These persistent insects exploit various entry points, including gaps around doors and windows, loose electrical outlets, and spaces under roof eaves. They are also adept at finding their way through openings surrounding cables, pipes, and vents.

As autumn approaches, cluster flies search for warm, protected spaces to hibernate during the colder months. Their small size allows them to squeeze through tiny crevices that may go unnoticed by homeowners. Once inside, they gather in clusters, hence their name, often in attics, wall voids, and other secluded areas.

To prevent infestations, it’s essential to seal potential entry points and maintain the structural integrity of your home, especially before the onset of cooler weather.

How to identify cluster flies

Once you suspect cluster flies have entered your home, it’s essential to identify them to implement effective control measures accurately. Cluster flies are characterized by their distinctive appearance and behaviour. These insects are approximately 8mm long with a dark grey colouration and small patches of gold hair on their backs. Their long wings are another notable feature.

The most obvious sign of a cluster fly infestation is the presence of large numbers of lame or dead flies in your home. Common areas where these pests are found include lofts, sunken spotlighting, and beneath insulating felt layers.

Cluster flies typically appear in spring, lay eggs outside, and seek shelter indoors as winter approaches, usually around August. These persistent pests often return year after year unless entry points such as eaves are properly sealed.

I Have Found flies in The Loft. What do I do?

Discovering flies in your loft can be an unsettling experience, but you can employ several effective strategies to address the issue.

One approach is to use a Citronella fragrance wick, which emits a scent that can deter cluster flies from returning to the area.

Alternatively, you can directly target the insects by spraying them with the fly killer and then vacuuming the area thoroughly.

However, if the problem persists or recurs annually around August or September, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Pest control experts have access to more potent methods, such as foggers, which can effectively eliminate the infestation.

What’s The Most Effective Cluster Fly Treatment?

The most potent and effective treatments for eradicating cluster flies are typically administered by professional pest control experts. Smoke bombs and foggers are the most powerful tools for combating cluster fly infestations. However, homeowners should not attempt these methods due to inhaling the fumes’ potential health risks.

Professional pest controllers possess the equipment and expertise to safely and effectively deploy these treatments. They can guarantee proper ventilation and take appropriate precautions to protect the occupants and the property.

How Long Do Cluster Flies Stay?

Cluster flies exhibit a distinct seasonal pattern in their behaviour and presence within human dwellings. These insects typically enter homes and other structures in late summer or early autumn, seeking shelter for hibernation as temperatures drop.

Throughout autumn, cluster flies can be found in large congregations, primarily in attics, sheds, and garages, where they remain dormant during the winter.

As spring arrives, these flies become active once again and make their way back outdoors. This seasonal cycle repeats annually, with cluster flies returning to buildings for overwintering each year. Recognizing this pattern is vital for homeowners and pest control professionals, as it allows for targeted prevention and treatment measures to be implemented at the most appropriate times, minimizing the impact of these seasonal invaders.

Methods For Getting Rid of Cluster Flies

With knowledge of cluster fly behaviour, homeowners can employ various effective methods to eliminate these seasonal invaders from their properties.

A range of options exists, from simple DIY solutions to professional treatments. Insect sprays and Citronella fragrance wicks offer quick, temporary relief. Vacuum cleaners can physically remove flies while sealing openings around doors, windows, and other entry points to prevent future intrusions.

For more severe infestations, professional services using foggers or smoke bombs may be necessary. Electric fly killers and fly boxes provide ongoing protection.

Installing fly screens on Windows adds an extra layer of defence. By combining these methods, homeowners can effectively manage and prevent cluster fly infestations.

What Are The Risks/Diseases of Cluster Flies?

Although cluster flies do not directly transmit diseases to humans, they can pose significant health and sanitation risks in both residential and commercial settings. In homes, the sheer volume of cluster flies can lead to unsightly and unhygienic conditions. Their excrement can stain walls, floors, and personal belongings while producing a strong, unpleasant odour that permeates living spaces.

Cluster flies present a more severe threat in commercial environments, particularly restaurants. These pests can contaminate food preparation areas and the food itself, potentially leading to severe consequences. Businesses affected by cluster fly infestations may face fines, reputational damage, or even closure by health and safety authorities.

Addressing cluster fly infestations promptly and thoroughly, especially in food-related establishments, is essential to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

What’s The Difference Between Cluster Flies, Houseflies and Bluebottles?

While cluster flies pose unique challenges, it’s important to differentiate them from other common household flies, such as houseflies and bluebottles.

Cluster flies are slightly larger than houseflies, measuring 8mm in length, with distinctive patches of short gold hair on their thorax and a laboured movement.

Houseflies, in contrast, have light grey bodies with clear black vertical lines on top and are more agile. They actively seek food and water sources and often frequent unsanitary areas.

Bluebottles are similar in size to houseflies. They are characterized by petrol-coloured bodies that appear blue or purple in certain light. They have large red eyes and long, transparent wings.

Both houseflies and bluebottles present more significant health risks due to their tendency to land on excrement and rotting flesh, potentially contaminating food sources. Proper identification is essential for effective pest control.

For help with fly control, contact Bugwise Pest Control today for prompt and dependable service. Our team, with extensive industry experience, is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. Trust us to handle the job efficiently. We serve various locations, including Romford, Dagenham, Barking, Ilford, and the surrounding areas.