The Problem with Cluster Flies
Cluster flies can be very distressing when they turn up in the autumn and sometimes in the spring too. They come in thousands and suddenly appear either in your roof or around windows in the house. 
There are two main species that cause concern but many others exist.
The house fly sized Pollenia rudis and the fruit fly sized, Thaumatomyia notata. These flies can also be described as “swarming flies” and “small yellow swarming flies”.
These flies breed throughout the summer in the fields, sometimes using earthworms to support their larvae by laying eggs into the soil and the resultant larvae seek out worms in which to subsequently complete their life cycle as parasitic larvae
When searching for cover for winter hibernation, these flies will gather together mainly on south and west facing elevations of structures and in late autum afternoons may rest on these walls in the sunshine but venture up into the roof space, loft or in and around window frames in the evening where they stay overnight. As winter comes, the cluster flies stay within the roof void and only then venture out on early spring sunny days where they may sun themselves on the roof tiles. Sometimes they stay between the roofing felt and the tiles, which makes treatment a little more complicated.
Dead cluster flies on the loft floor can lead to infestations of undesirable insects such as carpet beetle, which may subsequently invade the house and feed on fabrics. It is adviseable to clear up dead flies where practical.
Cluster Flies can also be a problem behind wall cladding whether it be a timber clad wall or a tile hung elevation. These flies can enter through the very tiniest of holes and you may think your cladding is close fitting and not susceptible but sadly, these flies can probably gain access. To deal with this issue you will need to blow an insecticidal dust up behind the cladding. This can be fairly easilly achieved with the use of a pressure duster, the Bellows Duster or DR5 Duster. You will need to use Rentokil 300gm powder, you will find this using search box, this is a crawling insect powder BUT by dusting into voids behind cladding, under tiles etc, it works perfectly as it is Permethrin based. You may prefer to call us for more advice for this particular application.
Controlling Cluster Flies
Before treatment, we suggest you check if there is any evidence of Bats. If there is evidence of Bats then insecticides MUST not be used.
Generally, treatment in the roof void will significantly reduce the problem, however, expect a new lot of flies the following year as it is thought they leave a pheromone in the roof which is attractive to next years clutch of cluster flies / autumn flies / roof flies.
Three main methods can be utilised in the roof void:
1. Installation of an automatic aerosol dispenser (battery driven) with cluster fly killer aerosol. Click here to go to the product.
The automatic aerosol dispenser dispenses Prevent Auto on a set programme which can be adjusted to suit the size of the roof or the extent of the fly infestation. The dispensers are battery operated.
2. Installation of an electric fly killer specifically designed for cluster fly use.
Electric ultra violet light fly killers are ideal for control of cluster flies as they collect the flies in a specially built fly catch tray that is designed to contain many thousands of flies and prevents the catch building up to disrupt the safe operation of the machine.
IN YOUR LOFT SPACE DO NOT USE STANDARD ELECTRIC FLYKILLERS AS THEY ARE A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. WE SUPPLY THE INSECTOCUTOR UNITS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CLUSTER FLY CONTROL.
3. Periodic application of Power Foggers or Midi Smokes for one off quick kills of flies.
4. For control of flies around window frames/ velux windows, spray the frames inside and out with Insectrol
Power foggers and smoke bombs can be very effective but may need to be used more than once per season. As the flies enter the roof over a period of weeks, your first treatment may eradicate all the flies in the roof but within days, more cluster flies may arrive. If you discover the fly problem let’s say, in December, then a single treatment in this way will clear the problem until at least March. you may then have new flies entering for about two months.
For controlling cluster flies within the home there are a range of products, including window cluster fly traps, sprays, smokes etc. Cluster flies commonly gain access around window frames on south and west elevations of properties.
Cluster Flies – Frequently Asked Questions
Signs of a fly infestation include seeing live or dead flies, finding fly droppings, or noticing a musky or sweet smell.
Flies can enter homes through open doors and windows, or through small openings or cracks in the walls, floors, or foundation. They may also be attracted to sources of food or water.
To prevent flies from entering your home, keep doors and windows closed or screened, seal any potential entry points, and remove any sources of food or water.
If you have a fly infestation, it is recommended to contact a pest control professional for assistance. Flies can carry and transmit diseases and can be difficult to control once an infestation has occurred.
Yes, flies can carry and transmit diseases, such as salmonella and E. coli, through their droppings and saliva. It is important to properly clean up any fly droppings and take precautions to avoid contact with them.
To get rid of flies, it is recommended to contact a pest control professional who can identify and eliminate the problem using a variety of methods, such as traps, baits, and pesticides.
Flies can pose a health risk due to their ability to carry and transmit diseases. They can also be a nuisance and cause discomfort.
To prevent flies from returning, it is important to continue to seal entry points, keep food stored properly, and maintain a clean and clutter-free environment. Regular inspections and preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of a fly infestation.
While there are some home remedies that may help to deter flies, such as using essential oils or hanging fly strips, they are generally not effective at completely eliminating an infestation. It is recommended to contact a pest control professional for the most effective solution.
