Cluster Flies, Fact Sheet And Proven DIY Solutions?

Although cluster flies are harmless and are not known to carry disease, their constant buzzing can be a great nuisance.

They also stain windows and other places where they settle and they can make surfaces sticky. They can be distinguished from house flies by their bigger size and also by the stripes at the back of their heads.

They tend to fly rather sluggishly. They are usually found in large numbers. Once they nest somewhere, they release pheromones that attract other flies in the area. They like to lay their eggs in moist places and they do their best work in winter. Once they have established a nest they are very hard to get rid of.

If you live in an area in the UK where they are common you may be looking for different ways of dealing with cluster flies. Here are some methods that come highly recommended:

• You can use a cluster buster. This simple but very effective invention uses a powder (Quicksand) to keep the flies stuck. It can take 1,000 flies which means that it can be effective for as long as 2 years. Check your local store to see if they have cluster busters.

• You can use aerosols to get rid of cluster flies. There are several brands that are quite effective and that are safe to use within the home. That said, you should not spray them near anyone who suffers allergies or if you have small children and elderly family members.

• You can call in pest control. They will come, make an assessment of how big the problem is, and then bring in chemicals to deal with the flies. Try and find a company that uses chemicals that are safe for both you and the environment. Find alternative accommodations as they work on the flies until your home is safe from chemicals. Also find out how long the results will last; there are some chemicals used by these companies that have a very short term effect.

• If the infestation is small your vacuum cleaner can get the job done. Once you are finished empty the flies into a zip lock bag and put it out in the trash. Keep in mind that you have only got rid of the flies that you can see – any that are hiding or hibernating will still be a problem at some point.

Try any or all of these methods of dealing with cluster flies in your home.

If you need advice about cluster flies and or bees or would like assistance removing them from your home, call Avon Pest Control on 01926 632 929 or click here to request a quote.