What You Need To Know About Cluster Flies

If you're a typical homeowner, you've probably battled with obnoxious flies disrupting your outdoor dinner parties and summer barbecues. You might even have developed the habit of pulling out the flypaper and powerful insect zappers the instant you hear the recognizable buzz of a fly. House flies are probably the unpleasant bugs you're dealing with, and they're dangerous for your family's health. However, have you ever seen big, sluggish flies hanging out in your house during the fall and winter? Perhaps those are cluster flies.

What Are Cluster Flies?

Cluster flies and house flies are two different families and species of flies, even though they both belong to the Order Diptera. House flies rarely reach lengths of more than 14 of an inch, whereas cluster flies can reach lengths of half an inch, which is twice as long. While the majority of cluster flies are black, house flies are gray in appearance. In addition, unlike house flies, cluster flies have golden hairs developing on their bodies.

While house flies can fly through a space fast, cluster flies move more slowly and are simpler to swat. They will seek out peaceful spots away from people and animals and like to avoid crowded sections of a home.

What Causes Cluster Flies in your home?

Cluster flies live inside earthworms as parasites as larvae. They reach the pupal stage as they become older, and after one to two weeks, they emerge from the pupal case. This procedure usually takes place in the spring and summer, and once October approaches, these bugs start to seek shelter indoors. In the winter, when they are waiting out the cold, they are frequently exclusively spotted inside dwellings. When they settle down in the less-trafficked regions of your home, cluster flies may form groups.

Despite being larger than the typical house fly, these pests can still enter your home through very small gaps and fractures in the exterior of your house. Once inside, they frequently remain in empty spaces, such the attic, where they can hibernate on chilly days. On hotter days, though, they become more active and can be spotted in more locations close to your house.

Are Cluster Flies Dangerous?

Because, according to the World Health Organization, many homeowners frequently link house flies with dispersing dangerous diseases and disease pathogens. Some individuals might think that cluster flies can be just as harmful as house flies. Cluster flies do not transmit harmful diseases and do not bite people or animals, in contrast to several of their other fly relatives. Additionally, there is no chance that these bugs may breed inside your house and start an infestation. During the winter, cluster flies hibernate before emerging to lay their eggs in the late spring and summer when they are once again outside.

As these pests are drawn to warmth and light in the early spring, you can notice cluster flies inside your home. On bright, sunny days, cluster flies frequently congregate near windows in an effort to flee. Additionally, you might start to notice little, dark spots that resemble cluster fly excrement on the walls or windows around your home. Even though these pests are merely an annoyance to homeowners, the presence of these big, slow flies can be unpleasant.



Preventing Cluster Flies in Your House

Cluster flies can enter your home through microscopic gaps in your attic or through windows and doors, so it's unlikely that you can completely prevent them from doing so. However, before the cooler months arrive, seal all apparent gaps and holes in the exterior of your property and replace any broken window screens and vents to reduce your chances of having to deal with a cluster fly population.