Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are harmless, but can be annoying. They are slightly larger than a house fly and take residence in buildings during the cooler months. They then cluster together along with Face Flies, mostly in unused spaces like attics and roof cavities to get warmth from the sun. They pose no human threats and only come inside to wait out the cool weather.
- Fly Species
- cluster flies, attic flies
- Family: Calliphoridae
- Genus: Pollenia
- Species: P. rudis
- Locations
- United States (except for states bordering the Gulf of Mexico).
- Southern Canada, Europe
- Size
- Identify
- Non-metallic, dark gray color.
- The thorax does not have distinct stripes but has characteristic golden hairs.
- Dark gray abdomen has irregular lighter patches.
- Wings overlap at the tips when not in use, and a sharp bend in the longitudinal vein.
- When squished, the cluster fly has an order like buck-wheat honey.
- Life Cycle
- The entire life cycle is approx. 27-29 days.
- Eggs hatch in 3 days.
- Larvae feed from 13 to 22 days before they pupate for 11 to 14 days.
- Typically 4 generations a year.
- Breeding
- The larvae feed strictly on earthworms so eggs are laid near earthworm burrows.
- Feeding
- Feed on flowers and fruit
- Congregation
- Cluster flies are mostly outdoors but annoyingly enter buildings one at a time and collect together, mostly in attics and other inaccessible spaces.
- They enter with the approach of cool weather to overwinter, where they hide in dark places, nooks, under curtains, etc.
- They often come out in the day to sun on the upper parts of walls, along with Face Flies.
- Health Importance
- Cluster flies pose no threats to humans
- How to Kill / Control
- To get rid of cluster flies:
- Exclusion
- Use Fly Traps, Fly Zappers, and Fly Sprays to kill adult flies
- View our Fly Control page for extended information on these methods.
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