Cluster Fly Control
Cluster “flies” last stand. Ah, fall has arrived. You’ve gone outside in the early morning to bask in the warmth of the autumnal sun, only to find a heaping mass of flies on the side of your home with the same idea in mind. Now that Old Man Winter is on his way, the cluster fly has come out and said hello to you in the worst possible way. These bad boys can be up to half an inch in size a piece, are incredibly sluggish and usually number somewhere in the hundreds when flocked together. And you thought one measly fly in the kitchen was bad.
Why do I have these flies? They’re looking for a nice winter home out of the cold and you’ve got cracks throughout the structure of your home. They’re commonly compared to stinkbugs and lady-beetles, because they all share the same trait of entering homes in winter months for warmth. Cluster flies, just like the others, will make their way into attics, wall voids and vents where there is a constant source of heat to keep them comfy. They then leave when spring temperatures return and lay their eggs in the moistened soil, where their maggots eat their way into earthworms (gross).
How can I prevent them from getting in? We stated it before, but any overwintering pest that exists in this world, no matter how much sealing, netting or caulking you do, can still end up in your home without professional help.
How do I get rid of them? As is with other overwintering pests, cluster flies are an absolute pain to try and get rid of once they’re in your home. Call Budget Pest Control, Inc. to treat your home with our safe and effective Cluster Fly Control that take down these winged troublemakers before you’ve got a thousand of them hidden amongst your old knick-knacks and holiday decorations.
Give Budget Pest Control a call! After a chat with one of our friendly knowledgeable office personnel, you will be armed with information, an estimate for Cluster fly control and if you want, service in a jiffy with one of our certified service technicians prepared with the latest equipment and products. And better yet…we offer service 7 days a week!
Stats
The cluster fly is slightly larger than its housefly cousin. The other difference between the two is the yellow hairs on the body of the fly which give it a distinct yellow/golden sheen. Cluster flies are characterized by grouping together in clusters in sunny areas of homes. These clusters create heat, which help the flies survive the cold winter months.
Did You Know?
- Cluster flies lay their eggs in spring on top of the soil where they make their way into earthworms as parasites.
- Cluster flies do not damage your home but may leave dark spots of excrement in the spot where they over wintered.
- These flies do not fly very fast and can be easily swatted.
Myths & Facts
Myth: Cluster flies are the flies you swat at during the hot summer months.
Fact: Cluster flies are slow and not agile. If you do see them it is easy to strike and kill one. The flies you commonly swat at are most likely house flies.
Myth: Cluster flies are aggressive and will bite if threatened.
Fact: Cluster flies are generally a non-aggressive insect
Signs of An Infestation
- If you see the slow moving large individual flies throughout your home there is a good chance you have a cluster fly cluster somewhere.
- If you find a cluster of flies on a sunny part of a shed, home or other structure chances are good you are being infested by cluster flies.
Flies FAQ
How did I get flies?
There are many ways homeowners may get a fly in their living space. The insects can enter houses on food products (fruit flies) or drift in through open windows and doors. They may also be attracted to and develop in decaying organic matter in drains. They can also infest dead animals in walls, attics, or other hidden places inside the home. Some species prefer to overwinter inside and are attracted to sunny parts of the home and upper floors of buildings..
How serious are flies?
- Because people correctly associate flies with filth, these pests disgust and annoy residents in homes. The insects can also transfer disease organisms when they touch food and kitchen surfaces. In addition, certain fly species can inflict painful bites on humans and animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sources reveal that flies contaminate or destroy $10 billion worth of agricultural products annually.
- Millions of microorganisms may flourish in a single fly’s gut, while a half-billion more swarm over its body and legs. Flies spread diseases readily because they move quickly from rotting, disease-laden garbage to exposed human foods and utensils. Every time a fly lands, it sloughs off thousands of
microbes which can cause serious illnesses like: Bloodstream infections, Diarrhea, Food poisoning, Meningitis. More than 100 pathogens are associated with the house fly, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Shigella. These pathogens can cause disease in humans and animals. Some of the diseases include Cholera, Bacillary dysentery, Hepatitis, Typhoid fever.
How do I prevent flies?
When flies feed on waste, they collect pathogens on their legs and mouths. These pathogens are then transferred to food on tables or counters when a fly lands again. Flies regurgitate on solid food then they eat the liquid. They are capable of transmitting disease when they vomit, groom themselves, or just walk on surfaces.
What can you expect of our treatment:
- Prior to our technician’s arrival, please prepare the following sanitary efforts to prevent further infestation by refrigerating and limiting access to any fruit or vegetables, and open containers of food within your home. Vigorously clean all food preparation areas, including counters and tabletops. Our
treatments will not be successful if their food source is not eliminated or controlled. The key to treatment is to control the breeding site. Microbial cleaners are helpful to remove organic debris that can accumulate under baseboards, broken tiles, missing grouts. Old and damp mop heads and old wet rags, soiled trash cans, all play a major role in fly breeding. - Your technician will call when on his way to your home. Your technician will discuss his treatment plan after inspection of your situation and may have you vacate the treatment area during the treatment. Your technician treats areas of concern, primarily around food preparation areas and food storage
areas, also moist areas where breeding is likely.
