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Many fly species invade our homes. Knowing the correct species is crucial for an effective control programme, as flies differ in their behaviour and breeding habitat.Cluster flies do not feed nor reproduce within buildings. They develop as parasites of earthworms and are particularly active in the spring just after earthworms and robins appear. In spring and summer the adult flies lay eggs in soil and the maggots move to and develop within earthworms. Cluster flies are, by far, the most common fly species found in homes during the cool season. They can cause serious nuisance, particularly in taller buildings where they tend to congregate on sunny walls during warm periods and later enter the home to seek winter shelter. They are named cluster flies because of their habit of congregating in large groups or swarms, often in dark places such as attics, corners of dark rooms, ‘nooks and crannies' and ‘cracks and crevices'. Each fly releases a pheromone (smell) that attracts others. This pheromone will linger on, even after all the flies have been destroyed and removed. Thus the pheromone will continue to attract cluster flies to that area and clusters will keep recurring. It is therefore important that treatments are continued even when there are no flies present. How to control cluster flies Seal cracks and crevices around homes, particularly upper stories of south and west sides prior to periods when flies enter in late August and September. Exterior treatment of house walls with a registered insecticide can further limit entrance. Locate the area where the flies are hibernating in the home and then treat them directly. Begin searching for resting sites on the southern and western sides of the building, and vacuum the flies off the surfaces on which they are hibernating. In areas inaccessible to vacuuming, a residual insecticide can be applied. Devices to trap the flies are also offered on the market. These traps, attached to windowpane where flies are a problem, contain a non-toxic powder that works like quicksand in trapping the insects that fall in. Swatting cluster flies is not recommended as it may attract more flies. Also, it is not advisable to control cluster flies by attempting to control the earthworm populations. For current chemical control options, consult your local pest control representative. Follow closely the directions and cautions on the label. Kill the adults to prevent them laying eggs in surrounding grass. Kill the larvae in the grass to prevent the adults clustering in your buildings. If you, or a neighbour, have had the problem in the past treat the likely areas of clustering in early autumn to prevent clusters forming. Spray with residual surface spay as described. If you have the adult flies swarming and clustering in the house or other building you need to carry out a full program of treatment.If possible it is best to prevent the problem of these flies moving into your home by treating the larvae in the soil before they become adult flies. Go to main page Fly Control Auckland for fast effective assistance on the control
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