Cluster Flies – FAQ
Top FAQs and Answers about Cluster Flies
1. What are cluster flies?
Cluster flies are large, sluggish flies that resemble houseflies but are darker and have golden hairs on their thorax. Unlike houseflies, they do not breed indoors or feed on garbage.
Cluster flies are large, sluggish flies that resemble houseflies but are darker and have golden hairs on their thorax. Unlike houseflies, they do not breed indoors or feed on garbage.
2. Why are they called “cluster” flies?
They get their name because they tend to “cluster” together in large numbers, especially in attics, wall voids, and unused rooms during the colder months.
They get their name because they tend to “cluster” together in large numbers, especially in attics, wall voids, and unused rooms during the colder months.
3. Are cluster flies dangerous?
No, cluster flies are not harmful to humans or pets. They don’t bite or transmit diseases. However, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance.
No, cluster flies are not harmful to humans or pets. They don’t bite or transmit diseases. However, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance.
4. How do cluster flies get into my home?
Cluster flies enter buildings in the late summer or fall to hibernate. They slip through small cracks, gaps around windows, doors, vents, and under siding.
Cluster flies enter buildings in the late summer or fall to hibernate. They slip through small cracks, gaps around windows, doors, vents, and under siding.
5. Why do I see cluster flies in winter or early spring?
As temperatures rise, even temporarily, hibernating cluster flies “wake up” and try to get outdoors—often ending up inside your living spaces instead.
As temperatures rise, even temporarily, hibernating cluster flies “wake up” and try to get outdoors—often ending up inside your living spaces instead.
6. Do cluster flies lay eggs in my home?
No, cluster flies do not reproduce indoors. They lay their eggs in soil during the warmer months, where the larvae develop inside earthworms.
No, cluster flies do not reproduce indoors. They lay their eggs in soil during the warmer months, where the larvae develop inside earthworms.
7. How can I prevent cluster flies?
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Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and siding.
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Install or repair window screens.
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Use caulk or weatherstripping to block entry points.
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Consider professional preventative treatments in late summer or early fall.
8. What’s the best way to get rid of them?
Vacuuming is a temporary fix for visible flies. For long-term control, professional treatment is recommended—especially preventative exterior sprays in late summer.
Vacuuming is a temporary fix for visible flies. For long-term control, professional treatment is recommended—especially preventative exterior sprays in late summer.
9. Can I use DIY sprays to kill cluster flies?
DIY sprays may help with visible flies, but they are generally ineffective for treating hidden infestations or preventing future entry. A licensed pest control technician can apply long-lasting residual treatments in key areas.
DIY sprays may help with visible flies, but they are generally ineffective for treating hidden infestations or preventing future entry. A licensed pest control technician can apply long-lasting residual treatments in key areas.
10. When should I call a pest control company?
Call as soon as you start noticing cluster flies or better yet, schedule a preventative treatment in late August to early October—before they enter your home for the winter.
Call as soon as you start noticing cluster flies or better yet, schedule a preventative treatment in late August to early October—before they enter your home for the winter.