Cluster Flies in Missouri

Flies are the bane of any summer picnic or outing in Missouri, and they often find their way through our windows and doors to annoy us inside. Thankfully, we can get a little rest from the annoyance of houseflies during winter. So, why, then, are you noticing a bunch of flies in your home during the middle of winter?

What might look like an annoying housefly is probably an annoying cluster fly!

Is there a difference?

Yes, and in this article, we’ll explore that difference and some simple things you can do to keep your home fly-free all year long.

Life History of Cluster Flies

Cluster flies, also called attic flies, belong to the blow fly family, but they are less offensive than their bright green and blue relatives that are attracted to trash and dead animals. Cluster flies don’t spread disease or breed indoors. Instead, their main goal during the winter is survival.

These flies typically overwinter in warm, elevated spaces like attics, skylights, or upper-level walls, seeking shelter until spring. They’re sluggish and prefer to remain hidden but can emerge during sunny winter days when heat from your home makes them active.

Identification

Cluster flies are going to look a lot like a house fly at first glance. They aren’t metallic like blow flies or have black stripes like house flies. Instead, they have golden hairs on their back. They are typically larger than house flies and are pretty slow-moving when they crawl and fly.

Life Cycle

Female cluster flies will lay their eggs in the cracks of soil or at the entrance of earthworm holes. That’s because when the eggs hatch into maggots, they seek out earthworms. Once they find one, they will burrow into the earthworm and parasitize them.

For the rest of their maggot life, they will feed on the insides of the earthworm until they are mature enough to pupate in the soil. Then,n they emerge in late summer as a winged adult and start the whole cycle over again.

By early fall, many of the adults are looking for places to overwinter, including your home. Because they reproduce outdoors and don’t breed inside, cluster flies pose less of a hygienic threat compared to houseflies.

Preventing Cluster Flies in Your Home

Since cluster flies only come inside your home to overwinter, the best way to control them is prevention.

That includes:

·         Sealing entry points: Use caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, and utility openings.

·         Installing screens: Ensure windows and vents have tight-fitting screens.

·         Reducing attractants: Keep your home exterior tidy to reduce areas where they might gather.

·         Vacuuming regularly: If cluster flies appear indoors, vacuum them up rather than swatting, which can leave stains.

How Pest Pro Solutions Can Help

If you continue to find cluster flies or other flies in your home during winter, it may be best to call a professional pest control company to make sure your home is fly-free all year long.

We understand that calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep flies away from your home.

Whether you need an inspection, monitoring, or effective treatments, you’re just a call away from getting a pest-free home.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!

FAQs

Can cluster flies spread disease?

No, cluster flies are not known to carry or spread diseases. Unlike houseflies, they don’t lay eggs in food or waste. However, their presence can be a nuisance, and large numbers may leave stains on walls or windows.

Why do cluster flies gather near windows during the winter?

Cluster flies are attracted to light and warmth. On sunny winter days, they become more active and head toward windows to try to find their way back outside.

What should I do if I find a large infestation of cluster flies?

If you have a large infestation, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. They can safely remove the flies and treat your home to prevent future infestations. Additionally, vacuuming up the flies and sealing entry points can help manage the problem in the short term.