Clean Out Cluster Flies

Are cluster flies all the buzz around your home or business? With plenty of food, water and shelter, the places we live and work offer ideal habitats for these pests. To keep your property fly-free, you need to keep an eye out for potential points of entry and take preventive measures.

IDENTIFICATION

• Appearance: Looks similar to house flies but are slightly larger, darker, lack the four black stripes, and move more sluggishly.
• Distinct Features: Has a checkered abdomen and many golden hairs on the thorax.

HABITAT

• Seasonal Appearance: Appear indoors during late summer to early fall, and re-emerge during early spring.
• Preferred Environment: Tend to enter and hibernate in facilities surrounded by large, open lawns rather than ones shaded by trees.
• Hibernation Spots: Gather together in isolated and protected spots, such as wall voids, to hibernate for the winter.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

• Staining: Can stain walls and windows.
• Attraction of Other Insects: Attract carrion-feeding insects if they die inside wall voids.
• Nuisance: Cause a nuisance when large numbers congregate on windows and inside ceiling light fixtures.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices in exterior walls.
• Maintain Screens: Ensure window, door, and vent screens are in good condition.
• Insect Traps: Install insect light traps in safe, enclosed spaces.
• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum to help eliminate dead flies indoors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Sun Exposure: West and south-facing sides of your facility are exposed to more sunlight, and the extra warmth can attract cluster flies. Pay special attention to potential entry points in these areas.
• Contact Information: For more on flies, visit orkincanada.ca or call 1-800-800-6754 for a free estimate

Year-Round Nuisance

While these pests do not pose a significant health threat, they can quickly become a nuisance around your property. Cluster flies are most commonly found around windows and light fixtures and are attracted to organic debris.

Cluster flies appear indoors during warmer months and can leave stains on walls and ceilings where they make contact. These flies are attracted to warm, sunny areas, and facilities surrounded by large, open lawns are susceptible to activity during the summer and fall. Isolated, protected spots like wall voids are the ideal hibernation destination during the winter.

No-Fly Zone

Make sure your space is a no-fly zone by implementing these top prevention tips:

• Seal exterior cracks and crevices
• Ensure window, door and vent screens are in good condition
• Install light traps in safe, enclosed spaces
• Use a vacuum to help eliminate dead flies indoors

Shoo Flies, Don’t Bother Me

Don’t let cluster flies be a bother on your property. Your local Orkin Canada team can help identify potential cluster fly hotspots around your home or facility and create a pest control plan that works for you. For more information on cluster flies, download this quick reference sheet.