Cluster flies also known as attic flies are household pests.
Flies in attic window.
Cluster flies facts identification control latin name.
The thorax of an adult cluster fly is covered in short golden hairs and the wings overlap when at rest.
Adults measure 8 to 10 millimeters.
These are not the same as the blue bottles that buzz hard against the windows in the warmer weather or the house flies and smaller flies that are active in summer too.
Cluster or attic flies are the genus pollenia in the blowfly family calliphoridae.
Thus the common name they have of attic flies.
Fruit flies they are dull yellowish or brownish black in color.
By instinct they seek shelter away from the elements such as in the fall when it gets cold.
Appearance what do they look like.
Cluster flies are simply a type of fly not too much unlike the typical fly you find up against your window in your house.
Flies that gather in roofs around windows and on walls inside in the autumn and winter are called cluster flies also known as attic flies.
Many flies like cluster flies love the sunlight and warmth which is often why they buzz against windows.
Unlike more familiar blow flies such as the bluebottle genus phormia they do not present a health hazard because they do not lay eggs in human food.
Insecticides can be used on the outside of the house in mid september if you have a persistent problem with attic flies.
The more flies that get trapped the more pheromone the insects emit so attracting yet more flies.
Cluster fly larvae develop inside earthworms living in the ground outside of homes.
As much as possible seal cracks and openings around the outside of the house especially under the eaves as you would for energy conservation.
Attic flies which are also known as cluster flies are insects that often migrate into homes in the fall where they hibernate for the cooler fall and winter months one of the best tips for getting rid of attic flies is to keep them from entering the house in the first place as trying to eliminate them after they are in hibernation can be difficult.
Gnats they are about 4 mm long delicate dark colored flies with long legs and antennae.
Drain flies they are about 1 5 to 5 mm long with a light gray or tan body.
For maximum effectiveness place a unit on each window.
Likewise don t leave doors without screens open for long periods of time.
Preventing attic flies is a job for the summer and fall.
Here s more on how to get rid of flies in general.
Wings and body are covered with long hair.
August 06 2020.
So always make sure your open windows have screens to keep flies from entering.
Cluster fly image licensed under cc.
Each trap will hold about 1000 flies and normally lasts about 2 years.
Light and dark gray checkered abdomens.
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