How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Cluster flies can be annoying, especially during autumn. Although you can confuse them for houseflies, they are slightly bigger and annoying. You’ll notice them clustering at windows or sluggishly flying around.
In this guide, we look at some ways on how to get rid of cluster flies. Learn more about how to identify them and prevent future infestation.
Identification of Cluster Flies
Also known as attic flies, cluster flies measure eight to ten millimeters in length. They have dark gray-checkered abdomens, and their thorax has golden hairs. You’ll notice that their wings overlap when at rest. Moreover, they are sluggish and slightly darker than a housefly.
Habits of Cluster Flies
The cluster fly population grows during the warmer months. They can get into your house through holes and small openings. Once they get to a place they feel warm, they tend to hibernate. However, if the temperature goes up by a degree, they become active and fly.
The females lay their eggs in cracks of the soil. These eggs hatch within three days. Cluster fly larvae feed on earthworms for about twenty days.
The pupae stage lasts for 14 days before transitioning into adulthood. Adults feed on flowers. About four generations hatch every summer. As fall approaches, the cluster flies begin to move into huge structures as they seek warmth and shelter.
Cluster fly problems begin in late August, which makes it essential to consider treatment. Infestations typically occur in the upper regions like the third floor in multi-story buildings and the attics in residential properties.
Cluster flies are attracted to lamps and light, the reason you’ll find them around windows.
What Damage Can Cluster Flies Cause?
Cluster flies in the house can cause issues like:
Being a Nuisance
These flies seek shelter and warmth for hibernation. You’ll find them in groups, something that can make it challenging to get rid of them. Furthermore, their ability to fit into small spaces makes it more complicated and could lead to an infestation if cluster flies elimination isn’t done on time.
Odor
Cluster flies produce an odor that smells like honey if distributed.
Spots on Walls
You’ll notice some dark color spots on the walls if you have a cluster fly problem.
Attracting other Insects
Cluster flies leave their droppings around, something that may attract other insects.
Although cluster flies can be a nuisance, they do not lay eggs on human food.
How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Below are some tips on how to get rid of cluster flies.
Get a UV Light Trap
A UV light trap consists of a deep shade light with high density. The cluster fly trap attracts these flies with its UV lights. Once they move towards the light, they’ll get stuck to the glue on the light.
You can replace the glue boards after a month to make the trap more effective. Moreover, the light trap only consumes 12W of power.
Use a Mini Vacuum
You can use a mini vacuum to capture and kill insects. Cluster flies move indoors when it’s warm, and are sluggish. The vacuum can easily trap them because of their movements. All you need is to place the vacuum where you think flies may be. Always clean the vacuum after use to avoid the odor left in the vacuum bag.
Get a Cluster Bluster
Although a cluster buster is a newly introduced product in the industry, it can help you get rid of these flies. All you need is to place this device near a window. Find a cross-section above the trap.
When light from outside enters into the trap, it keeps the walls translucent. Moreover, it traps the light emitted, something that attracts the flies. The trap can kill about 1000 flies and can work for four years efficiently.
Get Insecticides
Insecticides can help with cluster flies elimination. You can opt to go for aerosol sprays made from natural plant ingredients. Ensure that you spray the insecticide upwards into the open air. Read the manual on the product to know how long you should spray these flies.
Remove any Debris Around the Yard
You’ll find cluster fliers around the sides of a building or in wooden structures. Another way on how to get rid of cluster flies naturally is to clear any debris that may act as a breeding site for these flies. Any abandoned building may host cluster flies.
Preventing a Cluster Fly Infestation
You can prevent a cluster fly infestation by:
Sealing Holes and Cracks
Cluster flies tend to crawl in using available holes and cracks. Seal off any opening using caulk. You can add weather-stripping to your doors and windows. Also, if your doors or windows need repairing, fix them immediately.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming and cleaning can help keep these flies away. Remember that these flies love warm areas that they can hibernate. Ensure that all rooms are airy and that no clutter acts as a hiding spot. Don’t forget to vacuum the unused areas of your homes, including the attics.
Use Insecticides
Using neonicotinoid insecticides or synthetic pyrethroid on the sidewalls can help eliminate cluster flies. Make sure to repeat the application after three days to deter and keep them away. If you notice any dead flies, make sure to clean them to avoid the possibility of them attracting other insects.
Professional Pest Control
Handling cluster flies can be tricky as the treatment is dependent on the timing. Doing it too soon could break down the material, leading to ineffectiveness. Also, doing it too late would mean that the flies would have snuck into your house, something that could lead to an infestation.
You may need the help of a professional pest control company with expertise in cluster flies. They have the experience and tools to help prevent these pests from invading your house. Ongoing prevention and regular treatments from a professional can reduce a cluster fly infestation.
The company can use a combination of traps, exclusion, sanitation, and other methods to control cluster flies.
More information about cluster flies
http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/Cluster%20Flies/Cluster%20Flies.php?aid=141
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