CLUSTER FLIES: YOUR AUGUST VISITORS

August is considered the golden month of summer before fall approaches, but many homeowners are frustrated by an increase in cluster flies in their homes. While many reach for a fly swatter to act as the universal fly killer, an abundance of flies may denote an infestation.

Finding these pests in your home is inevitable and happens to almost every homeowner in the late summer and early fall. In the fall, flies will find their way inside to be out of the cold. Fruit and cluster flies are the most common occurrences of insects in the house that we encounter.  

Cluster flies do not present hazardous health concerns. Unlike other types of flies who lay eggs in our food, they lay their eggs strictly in the soil and the larvae penetrate earthworms as their host. The adults emerge in late summer and early autumn, when they enter homes in search of a place to hibernate through the winter. In April, all of the flies in house hibernating, wake up, fly outside and search for a place to lay their eggs in cracks in the soil. Several generations of these bugs emerge throughout the summer and they stop laying eggs in late August and September to seek refuge for the winter.

How to get rid of flies in the house:

Cluster flies are a large problem in rural and suburban areas due to the large grassy areas that favour high earthworm populations. One fly can turn into an infestation very quickly. While many homeowners search for solutions online, home remedies can only help so much. There are several different types of recipes available to kill flies, but they are usually temporary fixes. You will notice the same pests infiltrating your home days later. We suggest calling a professional pest control expert to evaluate where the bugs are entering your home.

Tips to Prevent Cluster Flies

• Fix any holes or rips in all screen doors and windows.

• Seal any cracks or crevices along the foundation or in bricks of your home.

• Screen all the vents in your roof.

• Sanitize everything in your kitchen.

• Take the garbage out regularly and keep a secure lid on it.

• Don’t leave any fruit or vegetables out.

• Store all dry goods, including dog food, in a container with a lid.

For more information, please contact one of our pest professionals today. We offer free evaluations and will get to the root of the problem.