SIZE: Cluster flies are very small flies and can range from three-eighths to one-half inch long.
DESCRIPTION: Cluster flies look similar to house flies however they are dark gray in color with golden hairs and overlapping wings.
BEHAVIOR: Cluster flies mainly come in late spring or early summer from earthworms as they are a parasite. Cluster flies lay their eggs in soil where they see cracks and crevices, once the eggs hatch the maggots enter earthworms who act as a host for them. They grow into adults within about 27 to 39 days.
HABITATS: Cluster flies will start to enter homes in mid-august seeking for shelter and food, they prefer sunny areas and light colored buildings. Cluster flies will stick together in a home making it look similar to a swarm of bees, they will enter in through small openings such as cracks and crevices around your home, open windows and doors and other easy entry points. Once they enter the home they will hibernate until they are warm in areas like nooks, under curtains, and dark areas within the house like the attic since they like to travel in walls in upper areas of the home. On warm sunny days you might see cluster flies trying to escape out your windows due to their liking for hot weather however if the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius they will go into hibernation.
TIPS FOR CONTROL
