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Cluster Flies
We don't think anyone needs to be told what these little creatures are, especially if you or your house has fallen victim to them! Cluster Flies are slightly larger than a housefly, the dark gray to black flies you see hanging around your windows in the Fall. The most common question we get as PCO's is, "What are these things doing in my house, breeding?" Well, no. Actually cluster flies are not breeding in your home; they are simply seeking Winter shelter in your closets, attics, and unused rooms. In the Spring, when the temperature reaches about 50 degrees they will be seen once again in the windows and lights and wherever you're serving your company dinner. Cluster Flies will lay their eggs singly in the soil; it only takes 3-5 days for the future pests to hatch. Larvae will seek earthworms for their feast until the flies pupate.
How do you know if you have cluster flies? There are a couple of sure-fire ways. You can call us for a free inspection and consultation or, in the early Fall, take a look on the sunny side of your house and see if you have a cluster of flies discussing vacancy possibilities at your home.
How to control cluster flies:
In our opinion, effective Cluster Fly control includes a preventative treatment which would take place in the Fall, with an OUTSIDE treatment of the vertical surfaces of your structure to get the flies BEFORE they enter. Now about those flies that may have already made it in: a good attic treatment and in bad cases, usually a follow-up around the interior window casings should leave you reasonably fly free for the Winter and the Spring. For those homes that have never been treated and those in very populated areas, follow-up winter visits may be needed.
So this Fall give us a call and we will gladly take a look at your home. Or if you know you're going to have a problem, give us a call and we will make you soon forget what a Cluster Fly looks like!
