The fly swatter is in full swing when cluster flies enter your home.
While the majority of pests are just now settling down for a long winter nap, others are quietly — or not so quietly — finding new homes for the winter and buzzing around your living room.
Here’s what you need to know about cluster flies:
What are cluster flies?
Cluster flies and house flies share similar characteristics in appearance, though cluster flies tend to be a bit larger, at 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch long. They’re also slower than other types of flies, which means you’ll have an easier time catching the pests.
Cluster flies live up to their name, often resting in “clusters” and overlapping while resting on surfaces.
Commonly found in northern parts of the U.S. and around the world, cluster flies tend to thrive in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
What are they doing in my home?
As winter brings crisp weather, cluster flies are frantically looking for their new winter home. More often than not, they’re going to be joining you in
your home.
Cluster flies are able to survive brisk winters by hibernating inside parts of houses, including wall voids, attics and other areas. You might not have an obvious entrance, but cluster flies make their way inside through gaps in your siding, foundation cracks, attic vents and other small openings.
They tend to stay fairly dormant over winter, but are attracted to sunny areas of your home and may become more active on warm days.
There’s no need to be worried — cluster flies are more of a nuisance pest than a harm to your health.
How do I get rid of them?
Even if they’re resting quietly inside the cracks and gaps in your home, cluster flies don’t belong. They may be slow, but they are tough to get rid of, as they hide in hard-to-reach areas. For that reason, it may be ineffective to attempt to get rid of the pests yourself. You’ll likely eliminate a few, but not the entire population. Pesticides can also pose significant risks to people and pets if they’re misused.
Instead, call a professional to combat the problem and prevent future infestations. Along the way, be sure to properly seal all cracks and openings in and around your home.
If you suspect cluster flies in your home, contact
Plunkett’s Pest Control. We’ve been in the business for over 100 years and have the experience to properly get rid of the pests for good.
Give us a call today to kick the nuisance pests out of your home.
