Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are common in the UK.  They hibernate and cluster in numbers within walls, attics and around window frames. They re-appear early Autumn year after year if left untreated.

SIGNS OF A CLUSTER FLY PROBLEM:

• Hundreds of flies clusted together within window frame
• During the winter these flies cluster in vast amounts in roof spaces and lofts, with several thousand flies clustered together. 
• If woken up early from their hibernation, they can be lazy and cause problems.
• You may get two generations a year and sometimes up to 4 if the climate is really warm.
• They are attracted to light and some will find their way into living areas.

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE

Cluster flies are about 9mm long and slightly bigger than the house fly.  They have a 10mm wingspan, a bristly yellow and black marked abdomen.

REPRODUCTION

• The female lays eggs in the soil near the burrows of earthworms to feed upon

IMPLICATIONS OF HAVING CLUSTER FLIES

• They can be a nuisance. 
• Disease can be spread by flies landing on food, but cluster flies are less likely to be inside the house.

HOW DO WE GET RID OF CLUSTER FLIES?

Complete control of Cluster flies can be difficult as during hibernation, they are concealed in walls, attics and window frames. 

We will carry out an assessment of the attic, to ensure there are no bats and water tanks are covered prior to treatment.  We then use an insecticidal fogging treatment and insecticide smoke generators if necessary.  This should be safe after 4-6 hours.

For re-occurring problems an electronic fly killing units can be used in loft spaces to provide a way of controlling them.