What are cluster flies?

Cluster flies (Pollenia Rudis), also known as Attic Insects, are huge, lethargic, and loud flies that congregate in large numbers around your windows during bright sunny days in the winter and spring.

The cluster fly is an earthworm parasite that breeds in fields and lawns during the spring and they are also the summer pests. Due to wider grassy areas that support higher earthworm populations, they are frequently a bigger nuisance for those who live in rural and suburban regions. Human food, rubbish, faeces, animal carcasses, livestock, and manure are not attractive to cluster flies. If you see them in your home or office, it is not a symptom of unhygienic circumstances.

The Life Cycle of a Cluster Fly

The development of a cluster fly takes an average of 27 to 39 days from egg to adult.

They are spring time pests, and they mate outside. Each egg is laid in its own soil fissure near an earthworm by the females. The egg and larva (maggots) are rarely observed since the eggs are laid in the soil, and once born, the cream-coloured parasite larva burrow into earthworms, which are their primary food storage.

For around three weeks, they will gently consume the worm from the inside. They then moult and pupate for up to two weeks in the soil before emerging as adult cluster flies. In late August and September, adult females cease laying eggs and begin looking for warm locations to hide in homes and buildings.

How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies Naturally

Vacuuming

Those who maintain their carpets and floors clean can vacuum up not only the flies but also any larvae or eggs that may be present.

Getting rid of rubbish in the yard

Cluster flies are commonly seen on the sides of buildings or within wooden structures in the yard during the winter. If you do have some old or abandoned structures on your land, as well as waste and junk in your yard, cluster flies may breed there.

Sealing up the house

Cluster fly always want to lay eggs in attics and between the walls, therefore sealing up the house is a good idea. Check the condition of the roof shingles and replace any that are broken. Fill in any holes surrounding your house, and ensure sure your windows have screens that are free of holes.

Seal up food

Cluster flies are attracted to sweet foods and will land on them. Flies will be kept at bay if these items are sealed.

Get rid of standing water

Because cluster flies need to land in still water to survive, they prefer to do so. By the way, this also keeps mosquitoes away, so any standing water surrounding your home should be removed.

Contact Pest Control for cluster flies

Contact pest control service if you have too many cluster flies around your home. We will assess your property and provide cluster fly removal solutions to eliminate the pests at all phases of their life cycle and prevent their recurrence.