FAQ Category: Cluster Flies

If you find cluster flies in your house during winter, they are likely already overwintering within your home. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove visible flies. It’s also a good idea to inspect your home for potential entry points and seal them. Sometimes, especially if the infestation is large, you may want to contact Birch Fumigators for a more comprehensive treatment. Additionally, using light traps in areas like attics or basements can help manage the population until the weather warms up and the flies naturally leave the building.

Cluster flies are more significant than the common housefly and move more sluggishly. They have a distinctive golden sheen on their thorax, and their wings overlap at rest. Unlike houseflies, cluster flies are not associated with unsanitary conditions, as they breed outdoors in the soil.

Cluster flies are not known to pose significant health risks to humans. They do not transmit diseases, bite, or infest food sources like other fly species. However, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance, and their droppings might cause minor staining on surfaces.

Cluster flies become most active during the late summer and early fall. This is when they seek shelter in homes and buildings for overwintering. However, you might also notice increased activity on warm, sunny days in the winter and early spring as the flies become more active due to the warmth.

Cluster flies can return after treatment, especially if the underlying conditions that attract them remain unchanged. These flies are known for their tendency to return to the exact locations year after year for overwintering. To prevent reinfestation, it’s essential to maintain preventive measures like sealing entry points, using light and sticky traps, and considering annual professional treatments before the onset of colder weather.

If left untreated, cluster fly infestations can recur annually, becoming more severe over time. Continuous presence can lead to staining from droppings and an ongoing nuisance. Additionally, neglecting the problem may signal a lack of maintenance, potentially affecting property value and perception in commercial settings.

Cluster flies can affect businesses by creating an unpleasant environment for customers and employees, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail. Preventive measures such as sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and proactive treatments are essential. Regular inspections and timely interventions can minimize the impact on business operations.

Cluster flies themselves do not cause physical property damage. However, their droppings can stain fabrics and surfaces, and large numbers of dead flies can create a mess and an unpleasant odour. The primary concern with cluster flies is more about nuisance and maintaining a clean environment than physical property damage.

Weather and seasonal changes significantly affect cluster fly activity. They are most active in late summer and early fall when they seek shelter for overwintering. Warm, sunny days during winter can also stimulate activity within buildings. Understanding these patterns helps in timing prevention and control efforts effectively.

Natural remedies, such as essential oils (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint oil), can act as deterrents but are usually less effective than professional treatments. Light traps and sticky traps can also be used to capture flies. However, for large infestations, these methods may not be sufficient, and professional intervention might be necessary.

Cluster flies typically enter buildings through small openings around windows, doors, siding, eaves, and roof vents. Sealing these entry points is essential in preventing infestations. This can be done using caulk, weatherstripping, or screens. Paying particular attention to south and west-facing walls, where flies are most likely to enter, effectively sealing off entry points.

Preventing cluster fly infestations involves a combination of exclusion and habitat modification. Sealing cracks and crevices, especially around windows, doors, and rooflines, is crucial. Reducing moisture and maintaining a clean environment can also deter these flies. Regular inspections and proactive treatments in late summer or early fall can significantly reduce the likelihood of infestations.