Cluster Flies.
The ambient temperature is increasing in the UK because it
is spring. It is well worth, therefore, being vigilant about the problem of
cluster flies. During the summer, cluster flies inhabit and breed in fields,
largely in rural areas, and do not pose a significant problem to home owners
and business proprietors. These flies are parasitic on earthworms; their larvae
live within the soil. The larvae emerge as adults at the end of summer.
Cluster Flies are commonly so-called because of their habit
of forming clusters, or multiplicities, when they are in a state of
hibernation. They are found throughout the UK; although they can be found
predominantly in rural areas. The eponymous clusters form during the autumn
months and are found in the upper rooms, attics and roof spaces of domestic and
business premises. Under natural conditions, without the human interference in
conditioning the environment according to our needs, the cluster flies would
hibernate in dry, sheltered, secluded areas such as under loose bark or within
the main trunk and branches of hollow trees. It is quite possible to encounter
mixed populations of species of cluster flies within the same premises. While
there is a specific species of cluster fly (Polleniarudis), business proprietors
and home owners may experience problems with four other species. These vary in
size and colouration. It is important to stress to those experiencing problems
with cluster flies that the cause of the problem is by no means one of poor
hygiene. In addition, it is far from practicable to attempt to control cluster
flies outdoors or, indeed, to control the areas in which they breed.
Following their period of cluster fly hibernation during the
winter, the survivors of the winter, under natural, non-synthetic conditions,
would emerge the following spring in order to return to grassy fields such that
they might continue their life cycle. Owing, however, to the reshaping of the
environment by man and the consequent construction of business and domestic dwellings
within close proximity of open spaces and fields, they tend to congregate, or
cluster, on these buildings. The cluster flies especially prefer sunlit,
south-east facing, light coloured walls. When temperatures begin to fall in the
afternoon the cluster flies tend to manoeuvre themselves into crevices in order
to obtain shelter. Such crevices can include those found within window frames
and those under the eaves within the roof space. They emerge the following day
when the temperatures rise again. As autumn approaches and the general ambient
temperature decreases they remain inside the building, and in large numbers.
The overall tendency of the
cluster flies from year to year is to return to the same building: why? – we do
not know; it is something of mystery. There is little point in affixing fly
screens to windows and doors as a preventative measure: this specie of fly will
generally squeeze into small cracks in window frames and between roof tiles.
The annual return to the same building may be the result of preferred wall
colour, of the detection of remaining pheromones, or some other reason; but it
is not because of poor hygiene.
Little can be done to prevent the infestations – even
repointing and sealing is largely ineffective. If they want to get in, they
will get in. A simple aerosol insecticide spray is all that is required to kill
all of the cluster flies with which it makes contact. This method, however,
will not kill those hibernating in cracks and crevices: it will not be
sufficiently penetrative. Small infestations of cluster flies in your business
or domestic premises can be dealt with in the use of a vacuum cleaner, that is,
if you do not wish to use a spray. Again, this will not get to those flies
still hibernating in the hidden areas. For large-scale cluster fly control,
call Key West Pest Control. Our operatives are furnished with the latest
techniques and technologies contrived towards the control and elimination of
cluster flies and other pests.
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