The ambient temperature is decreasing in the UK because it
is autumn. 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 a
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
hibernating in the hidden areas this autumn. 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment