Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are usually outdoor flies, however if the weather becomes much cooler, in late autumn and winter for example, they'll often choose to transfer inside, at times in their thousands, and may be found hibernating in structures or attics. This is the reason they are generally called "attic flies". They look very similar to the regular housefly though they are somewhat more substantial in proportions and will be identified by bodily markings like the yellowy golden colored hairs around the thorax and also the different shades of grey throughout the abdomen. In addition they move more lethargically than the common housefly. They give preference to inaccessible places such as within the walls, inside cracks and cavities near to the ceiling or close to windows, or in basements, lofts or any other rooms that are not used very often. When the weather warms up a little, they may start flying around and anyone who has ever experienced an invasion will tell you this isn't an enjoyable experience. Though they are often associated with bad hygiene in a certainly place, they tend not to carry around diseases and therefore tend not to signify a danger to people. This is particularly since they will not lay their eggs within the food of human beings. Rather they much choose to turn their curiosity to earth worms and look to lay their eggs near their burrows. They will likely either do that in soil or on leaves which are decaying. When their eggs have finally hatched, their larvae will appear to locate earthworms and will look to prey on them so as to obtain their nutrients through the body of the earth worm. This leads to a lot of damage to the earthworm and will finally kill them. When their larvae have grown into a full-grown adult, they will depart the earth worm as they are now fully able to support themselves. Nonetheless while they won't cause any real inconvenience to people they can still be a great pain to us whenever they happen to be in our environment. Houses and structures that are in the country can be more vulnerable to luring them due to the fact that there are fewer places for the adult flies to find shelter. You're also going to find them in structures that are situated in close proximity to where earthworms are present, for instance areas of turf or grass, gardens. Eggs - These eggs hatch within a few days, after which larvae seek to enter the body cavities of earthworms. Cluster fly larvae feed on earthworm hosts for several days, at which time they molt and pupate in the soil. Adults - 10mm in length

1. Large groups of slow-moving, seemingly clumsy flies hovering near the ceiling or in your attic. (Usually from September on-wards)
2. Loud buzzing as individual flies bump into windows or fall on the floor onto their backs.
3. A strong sickly smell that the flies give off to let their friends know they’ve found a warm spot for the winter.

They are attracted to warm, sunny locations on the south- and west-facing sides in the upper half of buildings. Some of these flies crawl into cracks around siding, windows, vents and chimneys, and accidentally enter homes.

There are no known health concerns associated with cluster flies; these insects are not drawn to garbage, and they don't bite animals or people. In most cases, cluster flies are simply irritating. When moving in large groups, these flies can overrun almost any room in a home, which makes it almost impossible for someone to enjoy being in the same room as the flies. One of the best ways to remove an infestation of cluster flies is to contact an expert.