Cluster flies are also called attic flies or glass flies. They look like house flies and are often mistaken for them. These flies go indoors when it gets cold outside. These flies head toward the highest areas of the house and hide there. When the sun shines, the house warms up. These flies then cluster around the windows, seeing if there is an exit. The flies are lethargic and slow. You can perform some steps to keep them from staying in your home too long.
Where do they live?
Cluster flies are found in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and North America. They love to live near human populations. These flies find their way into the voids, cracks, and crevices of your home. The flies stay behind frames, furniture, and curtains.
What are their habits?
These flies love to live close to the ground. They feed on organic materials like fruits or sap. Females lay their eggs near earthworm burrows. This is a good way to ensure the maggots feed on the earthworms when they hatch. The flies are not attracted to garbage or filth. They are attracted to artificial lights and natural sunlight.
How do you prevent cluster flies inside the home?
Making sure your window and door screens are in good condition helps keep these flies out. Sealing any holes and cracks around the house and points where cables and plumbing enter the house is also essential.
Removing cluster flies
Even during autum, these flies are harmless outside the house. It is when they shift indoors that they become annoying. Outdoor prevention helps resolve their invasion indoors. Below are some effective ways to remove the flies:
- Insect killers or home bug sprays can kill the flies on contact. This will provide a natural way to repel the flies as well. They are made of essential oils.
- Creating a protective shield by spraying the yard with a plant-based insecticide can do the job. Bug sprays can kill the flies on contact.
- Implementing preventive measures such as sealing openings. Keeping entrances and windows closed is effective as well.
- Sweeping or vacuuming the dead cluster flies around the house is also helpful in preventing other pests and flies from getting to them
- Hanging sticky fly strips can make these swarming flies stick. This will make it easier to dispose of these insects.
- Filling a glass jar with sweetened water and a punctured lid can trap the cluster flies. The holes must be big enough for the flies to enter. Changing the sweet water every day can keep attracting more flies.
- Covering the food is also important. These flies love to get into decomposing sweets and dishes.
Other means of repelling cluster flies
- Using natural repellents is effective and safe for pets and children in the house. It is also good for people who want to be environmentally responsible. Even if you use these products outdoors, you will not harm the environment at all. Natural repellents are dust, fly light traps, sprays, and ultrasonic pests.
- These remedies for cluster flies need ingredients from your pantry. These flies can go away with some ordinary ingredients. This is a good way to save money, be creative, and repel the cluster flies at the same time.
- Calling the professionals may not be necessary for cluster flies. Yet, if you are always being bothered by them, it may be time to seek the help of a nearby reputable pest control company. You may need their efficient and quick system in removing these insects from your home.
Cluster flies are often outside the home. Even so, you should still exert effort in lowering their numbers. This may take some effort, but the results will be rewarding. You will spare yourself and your family from these pestering flies during the fall season.