Where are the flies coming from?
January 21st, 2010
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies like to hibernate in the walls and attic of a house. They form tight groups or clusters, hence the name. When September rolls around, the days start to shorten and the nights start to cool, which tell the cluster flies to look for a place to spend the winter. Paying attention to the sunny sides of the house will be your first indication that the flies are coming. They like the warmth from the sun to get them moving. Don’t worry, there is no reproduction going on at this time. As the winter progresses, even though temps are cold, the sun is warming the structure and the flies will awaken from their hibernation and move to the warmer air that is inside the home. This typically happens for a few days in February when the temps will jump up into the 40 + degrees. That is why you can kill all the flies and the next day they are back. They are attracted to light, which is why they go to the windows. Cluster flies enter the interior of the home through wall sockets, switches, light fixtures, cold air returns and any other areas that break through the drywall. Closing these areas will reduce the amount of flies that get into the home, but you must be realistic, your not going to stop all of them. Reduction of the numbers though will make life easier for you.
Treatment
The treatment for cluster flies is not an easy one. As stated before they start to gather around the house in September. Any treatment done will not eliminate the flies completely but, it will reduce the number that get in the house. The best option is to seal the exterior of the house, as best you can. One thing that helps people get the job done is to hire someone to do it. Or do it yourself. When you look at the size of your house don’t get discouraged, do one side of the house at a time. When you are done the give yourself a week or two off then, tackle the next side, and so on, before you know it you have completed the job and proud of it. The other way to reduce the problem is to have a pest control company come out and fog the attic and spray the exterior of the house where the flies can get in. Keeping in mind that this will REDUCE the problem and not totally solve it because of the amount of openings that are around the home.
If you need any assistance, please call us here at Maple Lane Pest Control
