The Unseen Guests in Your Attic
As the golden hues of autumn fade into the icy grasp of winter, an uninvited guest may be making itself at home within the quiet corners of your property. These aren’t the typical household pests that scuttle in the shadows but rather a more insidious invader: the cluster fly. Often overlooked, cluster flies are like the whispers of a hidden army, gradually infiltrating our homes, attics, and wall voids, seeking refuge from the cold. But who are these silent invaders, and why do they choose our homes to hibernate in? More importantly, how can we reclaim our spaces from their clandestine occupation?
What Are Cluster Flies?
Cluster flies (Pollenia rudis), commonly known as attic flies, are not your typical house pests. Unlike the common housefly, these dark grey-olive insects, measuring 6-10mm are distinguished by their crinkled golden-brown hairs and sluggish flight. Although they may seem harmless at first glance, their propensity to gather in large numbers makes them a significant nuisance.
The Strange Life of Cluster Flies
Their life cycle is a curious one, beginning in the soil where the female lays her eggs in earthworm burrows. The larvae, parasitic in nature, feed on these worms, completing their development before emerging as adult flies. As the summer sun wanes, these adult cluster flies seek out warm, undisturbed places to hibernate. Attics, lofts, wall voids, and even small crevices in your home become their winter sanctuaries. Here, they bide their time until spring, when they emerge en masse, attracted by light and warmth.
The Problem with Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are not inherently dangerous; they do not bite, nor do they carry diseases. However, their presence can be more than just a minor inconvenience. Imagine the unsettling sight of a swarm of sluggish flies buzzing lazily around your windows on a sunny winter’s day. The very sound, a persistent, low hum, can disturb the tranquillity of your home, turning peaceful silence into a constant reminder of their presence.
In addition to their nuisance factor, cluster flies can leave tiny, dark specks of excrement on walls and windows. While not harmful, these spots can be unsightly and difficult to clean, detracting from the aesthetic of your living spaces. For businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, the presence of these flies can be even more problematic, potentially tarnishing the reputation and comfort of your establishment.
Additionally, as cluster flies congregate in our properties, they can die in large numbers, especially within wall voids or false ceilings. The resulting accumulation of dead flies can attract other pests, creating a secondary infestation that adds to the homeowner’s woes.
How Do Cluster Flies Enter Your Property?
Cluster flies are resourceful when it comes to finding entry points into your home or business. As the temperature drops, they are drawn to the warmth emanating from your property. They often enter through small cracks and crevices around window and door frames, vents, or any unsealed openings. Once inside, they seek out quiet, undisturbed areas to settle for the winter, with lofts, attics and wall voids being their preferred habitats.
During milder winter days, or as the artificial warmth of central heating tricks them into thinking it’s spring, these flies may become active, gathering around windows, drawn to the light. It’s during these moments that their presence becomes most noticeable, a reminder of the hidden horde lurking within your walls.
How to Get Rid of Cluster Flies
Dealing with cluster flies requires a strategic approach, as these pests are persistent and resilient. Here are some effective methods to evict these unwelcome guests:
- Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum your home, paying special attention to attics, lofts, and areas where dead insects might accumulate. This not only removes the flies but also helps prevent other pests, like larder beetles, that may be attracted to the dead flies.
- Sealing Cracks and Crevices: Prevention is key. Inspect your property for any potential entry points, such as cracks around windows, doors, and walls. Use caulking to seal these gaps, ensuring that your home is as impenetrable as possible.
- Insecticide Sprays: In cases of severe infestations, consider using residual insecticides or knockdown sprays. These can be applied in attics, wall voids, and other areas where cluster flies are likely to congregate.
- Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is extensive or DIY methods fail to keep the flies at bay, it may be time to call in professional pest control services. They can provide targeted treatments and advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Reclaiming Your Space
While cluster flies are not dangerous pests, their presence in large numbers can disrupt the peace and comfort of your home. Like uninvited guests who overstay their welcome, they make themselves at home in the very place where we seek refuge.
However, there is good news, with a combination of preventive measures and effective treatments, you can reclaim your space from these silent invaders.
If you suspect a cluster fly or pest infestation, contact Rentokil. Our team of experts is fully prepared to assist you in addressing the issue promptly and effectively.