Content:
- Identifying Cluster Flies: How Do They Differ from the House Flies?
- What Causes Cluster Flies?
- Signs of Cluster Fly Infestation
- 4 Ways How To Get Rid of Cluster Flies
- Conclusion
The cluster fly. It’s a small, innocuous-looking creature that can often go undetected until it’s too late. What starts out as a few flies in your home can quickly turn into an infestation if not dealt with properly.
Here are a few tips on how to get rid of cluster flies and keep them from coming back.
Identifying Cluster Flies: How Do They Differ from the House Flies?
There are various ways to tell the cluster fly apart from the house fly.
For starters, cluster flies have a black/silvery-black checkered body and are slightly bigger than a housefly. They also contain short golden or yellowish hairs on their lower bodies, which you won’t find on house flies.
Another way to tell them apart is their flight pattern – cluster flies move more slowly around the house compared to their house fly counterparts. Additionally, if you take a look at their wings, you’ll notice that the cluster fly’s wings overlap when it is at rest, whereas the house fly’s wings do not.
Finally, on warm, bright days, a significant population of cluster flies will typically congregate near windows or inside attics – places where you’re unlikely to find house flies.
What Causes Cluster Flies?
As the temperature outside starts to drop, you may notice an influx of flies in your home. These are not your typical houseflies, but cluster flies and they come indoors for one very clear reason: they need to stay warm during the chilly winter months.
The majority of these are outdoor insects that lay their eggs in the ground, where they develop into larvae that eat earthworms. As the fall weather becomes chilly, they enter homes and other warm structures in order to just survive the winter.
As opposed to typical houseflies, these insects do not multiply inside your walls or house and are not actively looking for food. However, their constant buzzing can be quite annoying!
Cluster flies are often not an indoor issue in warm southern climes because the flies remain outdoors year-round.
So if you find yourself with a few extra cluster flies this winter, just remember that they’re only looking for a place to escape the cold – not to mention, they’re not looking for food or anything else inside your home. Tightly weather-sealed homes with strong insect screens on windows and doors should have a minimal concern with cluster flies.
Signs of Cluster Fly Infestation
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your home is infested with cluster flies? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Each year, these pesky critters invade homes across the country in search of a warm place to spend the winter. While they may seem harmless at first, cluster flies can quickly become a nuisance. Here are four warning signs that you may have an infestation:
A foul smell: If you notice a musty smell in your home, it could be a sign that cluster flies are present. These flies release a pungent odor when disturbed, so if you notice an unpleasant smell when circulation is increased in your home (for example, when you turn on the heat), it’s worth investigating further.
Swarming flies when disturbed: Another telltale sign of a cluster fly infestation is the sudden appearance of swarms of flies when surfaces are disturbed or rooms are ventilated. These insects tend to congregate in dark, secluded areas such as attics and crawl spaces, so if you notice a large number of flies taking flight when these areas are disturbed, it’s likely that you have an infestation.
A lot of flies in windows: Cluster flies are attracted to light, so another indication that you have an infestation is the presence of large numbers of flies near windows. This is especially true in the late fall and winter months when these insects are actively searching for somewhere to overwinter.
Fly feces near windows: In addition to seeing a lot of live flies near windows, you may also notice small black specks on window sills and frames. These specks are actually fly feces, and their presence is yet another indication that cluster flies have taken up residence in your home.
If you notice any of these warning signs in your home, don’t wait to take action.
4 Ways How To Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Vacuum
If you notice any cluster flies around your windows, doors, or other areas, the first step to do is to vacuum them up. Although the problem won’t be solved, the population will be smaller overall. This is the initial action that will completely destroy the colony.
Remember to insert the vacuum into any cracks to capture any flies that are hidden from view. Regularly vacuuming your home should be a no-brainer when you’re attempting to get rid of cluster flies. By doing so, you can stop them from settling in new regions and keep other pests out of your home.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill cluster flies.
Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the flies with the solution. The acid in the vinegar will kill the flies on contact.
You can also use vinegar to prevent cluster flies from entering your home in the first place. Just mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of water and pour it into a shallow dish. Place the dish near doorways and windows to deter cluster flies from entering your home.
Bleach
If you decide to use bleach to get rid of cluster flies, have in mind that bleach is only effective if used correctly. If you don’t follow the directions, you could end up harming yourself or making the problem worse. Here’s what you need to know about using bleach to get rid of cluster flies.
First, it’s important to understand that bleach is a poisonous substance. If you swallow it, it can damage your internal organs and even kill you. That’s why it’s crucial that you take precautions when using it. Always wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself, and be sure to ventilate the area well.
Second, bleach only works on contact. That means that if you’re trying to treat a large area, you’ll need to use a lot of bleach. And even then, there’s no guarantee that all of the flies will be killed. It’s also important to note that bleach can damage surfaces like carpeting and upholstery. So if you’re going to use it, be sure to test it in a small area first.
Finally, keep in mind that once you’ve used bleach, the area will need to be thoroughly cleaned before it’s safe for people or pets. In other words, using bleach is a risky proposition. If you’re not careful, you could end up doing more harm than good.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are small strips of paper or plastic that are coated with a sticky substance. These traps work by luring the flies in with a sweet scent and then trapping them on the sticky surface.
However, it’s important to place the traps in strategic locations so that you can catch as many flies as possible. They typically include places near windows or doors, where they can trap flies as they enter the home.
When used correctly, sticky traps can effectively reduce the number of cluster flies in your home. Best of all, they are safe to use around children and pets.
Conclusion
If you find yourself being buzzed by a few too many flies this winter, don’t worry. You’re not alone and there are ways to get rid of them! Try out a few of these cluster fly removal tips and see which one works best for you.
And remember, if all else fails, you can always call in the professionals to help. In no time at all, your home will be fly-free and you can go back to enjoying your winter indoors.
