3,500+ employees From late August to early September (depending on the temperature and region), adult cluster flies search for overwintering sites; usually gathering on sunlit surfaces on roofs of buildings, walls, weather stripping, and windows. © 2020 JP Pest Services. There are two or three generations of flies produced each year. Historically cluster flies would hibernate in hollow trees, under loose bark or other dry sheltered areas. But all too often, overwintering cluster flies are drawn into the warmth of the home's interior, finding passage through cracks a… For a more substantial fix, it may be necessary to identify and patch up any holes, cracks, or unseen entrances to your building’s undisturbed spaces. However, a large gathering of cluster flies near a window or on a warm indoor wall can still make for an annoying and messy intrusion, and building owners do well to keep cluster flies from setting up shop where they don’t belong. The larvae seek out and parasitise earthworms which are eventually killed. Cluster flies are most common along the northern part of the US and in other countries around the world. Most cluster flies first start to appear during late August and early September, and by the time the leaves start to change color they’re in the market for one thing and one thing only: warmth. They travel in packs and live in groups, hence the name. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Here’s a look at what property owners and business professionals can expect from a cluster fly infestation, and what you can do to keep your building safe from the scourge straight through until spring and beyond. © 2020 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the Legal Statement. Flies aren’t harmful, but they are indeed very unpleasant and annoying at the same time when they invade your home. Cluster flies are most common along the northern part of the US and in other countries around the world. Small, black with a checkerboard abdomen, and with wings that overlap almost completely, cluster flies are a regular of a nuisance to gardeners for their parasitic taste for earthworms. Asian Giant Hornets in the US: Here’s the Scoop from the Pros. These flies are capable of spreading diseases like malaria, typhoid, cholera, dysentery and gastroenteritis.Flies pick up bacteria from waste materials and garbage and transfer these bacteria from their feet to surfaces they sit on. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cluster Fly image licensed under CC. During the fall, cluster flies may congregate on the sunniest wall of your home and around exterior doors and windows. We hope that you find our blog helpful. The cluster fly is often considered a parasite of earthworms and breeds outdoors in fields and lawns during spring and summer. Cluster flies are named for the way they tend to hibernate or “cluster” together in groups while overwintering in wall voids or attics during the colder months. Pollenia. Cluster Flies: The mild Autumn has lead to Cluster Fly pest control problems being extended (we were getting our first Cluster Fly pest control enquiries and jobs in September). Although these flies are a real annoyance to homeowners, they don't pose a health hazard. Although not exactly the meanest or most dangerous flying insect we’ve encountered, cluster flies can be a serious nuisance if left to their own devices. But while cluster fly larvae may rely on earthworms to feed and grow to their adult stage, adult cluster flies are far more interested in finding a warm place to ride out the long winter - and that’s where indoor spaces like attics, basements, and low-traffic closets can come into play. You may need the help of an experienced pest professional to adequately identify address hard-to-find openings to keep flies out for good moving forward. You can also apply a residual pyrethroid-based insecticide such as Suspend SC or Demon WP on the exterior of the building in late August or early September, right before adult cluster flies show up. Cluster flies are parasites of earthworms and breed outdoors in gardens and fields during the spring and summer periods. As the weather becomes cooler, cluster flies will be in search of a loft space/void where they can hibernate for … The eyes of the most common cluster fly (Pollenia rudis) are a deep red. Rentokil Initial Acknowledged by the President for Excellent Work During Covid-19, Top 3 Expert Tips For Business Reopening Post Coronavirus Lockdown, Clean up any spills or discarded food or liquids, Store rubbish in clean, lidded containers, Clean any animal excrement, as this attracts flies. The large, black, pesky flies that show up in bed rooms and on window sills from late fall through early spring are a common household pest. A Cluster fly is very much similar to a house fly. In autumn, adult cluster flies will begin to seek out overwintering sites. Overwintering insects generally stay in secluded areas until the warming and lengthening days of spring pull them from hiding. They are unpleasant indeed and might spread disease. Cluster flies have been known to squeeze around the edges of windows that are weather-proofed. What is the difference between bees and wasps? Seeking shelter from the frost and wind, they come indoors and settle down for the winter. Cluster flies had been in New Zealand since at least the 1980s when they were first spotted in Auckland, he said. Although many cluster fly colonies will seek out the solitude of a quiet corner for their home base, it’s not uncommon to find several gathered indoors by a sunny window on a cold winter day. Appearance What Do They Look Like? Although many cluster fly colonies will seek out the solitude of a quiet corner for their home base, it’s not uncommon to find several gathered indoors by a sunny window on a cold winter day. Worried about an infestation? They usually enter through gaps in roofs, attics, and eaves, and settle in warm, sun-facing spaces. Because of what they feed on, these flies can carry and spread disease. You can also try to use the electric fly killers capture and kill flying insects. You are likely to need the help of a professional pest controller, who can use treatments such as residual sprays to target all active flies and others as they emerge from hibernation. We lead the way in developing innovative, environmentally friendly and sensitive pest control solutions for the detection, prevention and elimination of troublesome pests. Problems with cluster flies begin in late August as they move to winter quarters to over-winter. What are cluster flies? They can sit anywhere; your food, clothes, face, hands etc. If you’ve noticed cluster flies making a home of your indoor space, the solution may be a bit more simple (or more complex) depending on your situation. They will look for any small cracks or crevices that will gain them entry to structures. Cluster flies are large black coloured flies with the scientific name ‘ Pollenia rudis’, they show up in homes from late fall through early spring. You could also use fly screens so that you can open your windows while still preventing flies. Although cluster flies don’t pose a direct health risk to humans, they can be an annoyance. In addition, you could be fined or even shut down on health grounds. The larvae then pupate in the soil for about two weeks before emerging as flies. Although the leave around early spring, they have been known to return to previously occupied spaces, leading to annual infestations. 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