Cluster flies are a common overwintering pest. In fall, they gather on the side of homes where they can soak up the sun. As temperatures drop, they begin making their way into houses in hopes of finding warmth and shelter. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep these unwanted house guests away. We’ve gathered information to help you eliminate a cluster fly infestation.
How to Identify a Cluster Fly Infestation
Before you take steps to get rid of bugs, you need to be able to identify an infestation. Cluster flies are often mistaken for houseflies because of their similar appearance. However, cluster flies are larger, growing to about 1/2". They are dark gray with a checkered pattern on their abdomen, and they have golden hair on their thorax. These flies move slower than other flies and will cluster together.
How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Once you identify a cluster fly problem, you’ll want to work to kick them out of your house. Check out a few tips to help get rid of cluster flies in your home.
Spray Flies with a Hose
When you start noticing cluster flies gathering on your house, you’ll want to ensure they don’t sneak inside. Spraying the flies with a garden hose can help to get rid of them. The pressure from the water will knock them off and discourage them from returning to your house. You can also knock them into a bucket of soapy water to help kill them.
Use a Vacuum to Remove Flies
If these flies make their way indoors, you can physically remove them from your home. One option is to use a vacuum. After vacuuming up the flies, you’ll want to empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag and place the bag in an outdoor trash bin. If you find dead cluster flies in your home, you’ll want to remove them as well since some pests will be attracted to them.
Use Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays
Plant-based insecticide sprays can help to get rid of cluster flies. Our Home Bug Spray and Flying Insect Killer can be used to spot treat flies in your home. They also have repellent properties that will help to keep these pests away. You can spray common entry points, such as near windows and doors, with our Home Bug Spray to prevent cluster flies from entering your home.
How to Prevent Cluster Fly Infestations
After controlling an infestation, you’ll want to take steps to make sure these pests don’t come back. Check out a few tips to help prevent cluster fly infestations.
Seal Entry Points
To keep cluster flies from becoming a problem, you need to seal potential entry points. Examine the exterior and interior of your home for cracks or holes and seal any you find with caulk or steel wool. Make sure your window and door screens don’t have any tears. Check to ensure that door sweeps and weather stripping are in good condition.
Minimize Lighting
Cluster flies are attracted to natural and artificial lights. Leaving your porch lights on can lead these pests to your home. To avoid attracting cluster flies, consider installing motion detector lights to limit how often the light is on. You can also keep your blinds down and your curtains closed to prevent them from being attracted to your interior lights at night.
Create a Protective Barrier
Spraying your lawn and the perimeter of your house with our Yard Bug Spray can help to deter cluster flies. The repellent properties of the spray will act as a barrier that helps to keep these pests out of your home. You’ll want to treat your outdoor space at the beginning of fall before they start seeking shelter indoors. In spring and summer, cluster flies are often found hanging out close to the ground, so spraying your lawn during this time can help to control them too.
Cluster flies can become a nuisance if they decide your home would make the perfect overwintering spot. It’s important to take steps to kick these pests out of your house. If you’re dealing with cluster flies or other pests, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.