Cluster Fly Identification & Prevention

The cluster fly is a common household pest. Cluster flies look similar to house flies but are larger and lack their metallic appearance. The adults grow to between ¼ and ½ an inch in length, and their bodies are gray and covered in goldish-yellow hairs. Some of these flies may also have darker black markings on their bodies.

Unlike many species of flies, cluster flies don’t feed on or lay their eggs in decaying matter. They feed on pollen and lay their eggs in earthworms.

Compared to other species of flies, cluster flies are mainly nuisance pests. They don’t spread diseases like filth flies and don’t bite or sting people. Despite not being a dangerous pest, keeping cluster flies out of your house is important. They tend to enter in large numbers and, once inside, are difficult to eliminate. Also, when squished, they give off an unpleasant odor and leave behind grease spots.

When the weather cools in the late fall, cluster flies look for sheltered areas to overwinter in, often choosing our homes and businesses. They move inside structures through cracks and other small openings in exterior walls. Once inside, they gather or “cluster” together in spaces behind walls and attics. When the weather warms up in the spring, they move back outside to continue their life cycle.

Cluster flies can become a problem in houses, barns, garages, and other structures. When the weather is cold, these flies remain hidden behind walls and above ceilings. However, on warm sunny days, it is common for these flies to emerge from their overwintering spots and gather around windows and doors.

In addition to overwintering inside, cluster flies also overwinter outside in underground tunnels created by other insects or behind tree bark. 

Acquiring help from a professional pest control expert is the best way to eliminate cluster flies and keep them from returning. At Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, our technicians are highly trained and dedicated to providing safe and effective pest control services in Elizabeth City that are affordable. We are a local, family-owned pest control company whose number one priority is putting our customers first and exceeding expectations.

For home or business owners looking to eliminate pests from their property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

To help protect your North Carolina property from cluster flies, consider putting into place the following prevention measures.

• Repair torn or loose screens.
• Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Seal up cracks in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
• Cover vents with wire mesh.
• Repair or replace any loose or missing roof shingles.
• Place a tight-fitting cap on your home’s chimney.
• Repair or replace loose or missing roof shingles and holes along the roofline.