Unfortunately this annoyance will persist through the spring cluster flies are named for their habit of clustering in large numbers on outside walls in.
Attic flies spring.
Attic flies are especially abundant this spring.
As much as possible seal cracks and openings around the outside of the house especially under the eaves as you would for energy conservation.
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.
A cluster fly is very much similar to a house fly.
They are strictly parasitic on earthworms.
Inspect the brackets at the door hinge where the springs attach to the attic door frame.
Cluster fly image licensed under cc.
The springs are most relaxed when the attic ladder is in the stowed position.
The females lay their eggs near earthworm burrows and the larvae then feed on the worms cluster flies seek refuge in cold weather and find their way into attic spaces and similar areas indoors.
The result has been a greater than normal abundance of these large black pesky flies in houses this winter.
Remember attic flies want to cluster indoors when it starts to get a lot cooler outdoors.
Appearance what do they look like.
Overwintering insects generally stay in secluded areas until the warming and lengthening days of spring pull them from hiding.
The tendency of clustering in large numbers inside attics.
Cluster fly larvae develop inside earthworms living in the ground outside of homes.
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.
Spray as best you can around your roof chimney eves ventilation holes etc.
Last summer s abundant rainfall was favorable for development of cluster flies.
This is the same family to which bottle or blow flies belong.
The grass flies or cluster flies or attic flies are the genus pollenia in the family polleniidae are completely harmless to human health.
Apply insecticide to the outside of your attic to prevent flies from coming in.
Adults measure 8 to 10 millimeters.
Cluster flies facts identification control latin name.
Cluster flies also known as attic flies are household pests.
Light and dark gray checkered abdomens.
Step 2 shut the attic door once you and your partner are in the attic.
The thorax of an adult cluster fly is covered in short golden hairs and the wings overlap when at rest.
Insecticides can be used on the outside of the house in mid september if you have a persistent problem with attic flies.
Preventing attic flies is a job for the summer and fall.
Cluster flies cluster.
Cluster flies are also known as attic flies this name describes its characteristics very well i e.
Cluster or attic flies are the genus pollenia in the blowfly family calliphoridae.
If the springs are in bad shape it may be wise to use a stepladder instead of the attic ladder to climb up.
