Table of Contents
Cluster flies identification
1. Appearance and size
The name cluster flies is given to them because they are mostly seen in houses. These cluster flies are relatively larger than those common house flies. It is short is size and it has golden their on its thorax. Thorax is the part of body on which in its legs and wings are attached firmly. They have shinning metallic bodies. They differ in sizes from 0.55cm to 1 inch. They are usually found buzzing around your windows. They also have dark strips on their bodies. They are very slow flies. They usually give a sweet odour. The adult flies are said t be in gray in color. It is also observed that when they fly their wings overlap the cluster.
2. Reproduction and lifecycle
The larvae of these cluster flies develop into a parasite or an earth worm. The lifecycle of these cluster flies begin when the ground is warmed up in the seasons of summers and winters. The female cluster flies tends to leave the site of winter to lay eggs in soil where earthworm exists. The larvae feed on hosts for a week or two. Then it leaves the host in the soil to pupate.
It then later emerges from the soil in an adult size and shape. The larvae stage mostly last for about 24 days, the pupae stage lasts for 15 days. When the days are short in the mid of august these cluster flies usually moves toward protected places for hibernation. We can say that the total lifecycle ca last about 40 to 50 days.
3. Behavior and habits
The population of these flies varies from year to year. The population usually gets worse after the wet summer. These cluster flies gather in groups and move .They usually get attracted towards lights and different structures of lawn. These flies can get into the room easily through small openings and holes. The cluster flies tend to get attracted more towards the buildings because they find those places warmer. Normally they are also finding in upper south areas or the west side of tall buildings. It the temperature crosses 1 degree they tend to become active and fly. If they find themselves in a warm place and they think that this place is safe for them they hibernate. They find ceiling and windows safer to hibernate. They are so small that that they enter into tall building ad rooms even through a small hole. So better seal all the cracks and holes to get rid of them.
4. Habitat and distribution
These cluster flies become very active when the temperature rises above 50oC. They are found almost all around the world. You will easily see them around you especially in hot summers. In summers you can see group of cluster flies around the windows. During the fall of spring they form clusters and enter into the house to spent the over wintering seasons.
A study has shown that they have a huge widespread. Almost 8 species of cluster flies are found in Britain and almost 31 species in Europe. They are referred as the common house pets in most of the countries. They came from the family of Calliphoridae.
Custer flies damage
- They are considered as the nuisance because of the habit of hibernation:
These Custer flies usually enter the houses for the purpose of hibernation. They hibernate in groups and it is very difficult to get rid of them because they are in groups and easily fit in small holes. They can also fit in small spaces. They form clusters while hibernating. They are not harmful to human beings but they only enter houses and properties for the purpose of hibernation. They usually hibernate during the cold seasons. But one thing is for sure that they do not damage the property or harm the humans.
- They leave dark color spots on walls:
They also sometimes leave spots on the walls. Even if they are killed or they are tuck by the wall you will see a brown spot.
- They may give out sweet odor when distributed:
Cluster flies sometimes gives a very sweet odor which smells some hat like buckwheat honey if is disturbed.
How to get rid of cluster flies
1. Use cluster bluster
- Custer Buster
- Features:
It is said to be a revolutionary product in the industry. It helps to get rid of cluster flies very efficiently. Many customers who are using this say that it acts like a charm against the home flies and the cluster flies.
- Practical performance:
You simply need to adjust this near a window. You will also find a cross section above the trap. When the light from outdoors enters into the trap it helps to translucent walls. Furthermore, it helps to trap the emitted light which attracts the cluster flies. You just have to wait for the cluster flies to get trapped.
- Benefits:
As mentioned earlier you just have to wait for the cluster flies to get trapped. When they get trapped they will automatically sink into the powder formed. These traps are considered non toxic and it can work for almost 4 years efficiently. Furthermore, it can kill about 1000 flies.
2. Use UV light trap
- Fly Web Fly Trap
- Features:
This is another way to get rid of cluster flies using UV light traps. It is like a lamp which comprises of a low shade light but it has high density.
- Practical performance:
The cluster flies get attracted towards these UV lights and as soon as they try to move forward and touch the light, they get stuck with the glue on the light.
- Benefits:
These glue boards can be replaced. You can replace them after a month. The best thing about this trap is that it only consumes 12 Watt of power.
3. Use of Mini Vacuums
- Black + Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum
- Features:
Black +Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum is a vacuum which is efficiently used to capture the insects and kill them. It is very easy to setup and use.
- Practical performance:
If you are looking for a reliable method to avoid cluster flies, this method is recommended to you. Cluster flies usually enter our houses for the purpose of hibernation. During hibernation they become slow as well as sluggish. And because of their slow movement they can easily be trapped by mini vacuum.
- Benefits:
You just need to vacuum where you think flies are there. You must ensure to clean the vacuum after using it. It sometimes leaves a very bad odor in the vacuum bag.
4. Use Insecticidal Aerosol sprays
- White mire P I Contact Insecticides
- Features:
If you have recently seen some cluster flies in your house you can use these insecticides for the best results. They are safe for pets and children. They are made up of natural plant ingredients.
- Practical performance:
It is on of the best methods you can use to kill these flies. You can use these during winter indoors. You can safely use them indoors.
- Benefits:
This insecticides work efficiently against the cluster flies. Only make sure to throw them after they are killed to avoid any sort of odour from your house.
Cluster flies prevention and cure
- Try to fill all the cracks, hole and crevice in walls and doors.
You must seal all the holes in walls and everywhere. It won’t allow the cluster flies to get into your house. If you keep the holes and cracks open it means you are giving them a warm welcome in your house.
- Repair all the damaged screens on the windows as well as the doors.
If your windows or doors’ screen need repairing, fix them, and if these require to be replaced, replace them.
- Install screening or mosquito nets over air vents in soffites (ceiling)
In addition to previous solutions, try to install an insect screening or you can use mosquito’s nets over air vents in your house ceilings (soffites) to get rid of cluster lies. It will help you get rid of them easily.
Cluster flies versus house flies versus blue bottle flies
- It is very easy to distinguish cluster flies from a house fly or a blue bottle fly. The cluster flies are larger in size than the house flies but smaller than the blue bottle flies. Cluster flies mostly checked patterns on their bodies. Moreover, it has golden color hair on its thorax.
- Furthermore, the blue bottle flies can be distinguished easily from the cluster flies and the blue bottle. Its’ body is bluish and greenish in color. It is entirely different from the other two. In size it is about 10 to 14mm larger than the other two flies.