How do you identify cluster flies?
Body: Light and dark gray-checkered abdomens. The thorax of an adult cluster fly is covered in short, golden hairs and the wings overlap when at rest. Characteristics: Cluster flies are slightly larger and darker than the common housefly and move more sluggishly.
How can you tell the difference between a fly and a cluster fly?
SIZE AND COLOR: Cluster flies are larger than house flies at approximately 7mm long compared to the 3-6mm length of a house fly. The body of a cluster fly will be black with a silver checkered pattern. House flies are dark grey with four narrow black stripes down their bodies.
What do baby cluster flies look like?
They have golden hairs on their body with a prominent light and dark checkered pattern along their abdomens. You can also spot a striped pattern behind their head. They have two large eyes, like other fly species. Cluster fly larvae look like tiny, white worms.
What does cluster fly larvae look like?
Cluster flies are generally dark gray with golden yellow hairs on the thorax and irregular light and dark gray areas on the abdomen. Cluster fly larvae (or maggots) have long, wedge-shaped bodies that are cream colored. Cluster fly eggs are rarely seen as they are deposited in the soil.
How long does a cluster fly infestation last?
These larvae then feed on the host earthworms for few days. The maggot stage in cluster flies lasts in about 13 to 22 days.
What Colour are cluster flies?
dark grey
Appearance. Cluster flies appear similar to the common house fly and blow/bottle flies. Adult cluster flies are dark grey in colour, 8 to 10 mm long, and have numerous golden or yellowish hairs on thorax. The abdomen of a typical cluster fly features a black and silver chequered pattern.
How do you get rid of cluster flies naturally?
Cluster flies especially love decomposing food and sweets! A contact pyrethrum spray like CB-80, which is approved for indoor use, can help, as well. Spray it lightly, as needed, for contact kill. To prepare for the next season, you can spray areas where you suspect these pesky flies will cluster.
Where do cluster flies lay eggs in house?
Homeowners typically find house fly eggs in moist, decaying organic material like trash, grass clippings, or feces. Elongated and pale in color, they appear in clusters and hatch quickly after being laid by the female fly.
How do I stop cluster flies returning?
If you find cluster flies in your attic, try to prevent these pests by using a ‘Citronella’ fragrance wick that emits a smell into this area, which can work to deter these flies from returning. Alternatively, you can spray these insects with fly killer and vacuum the area afterwards.
Can you ever get rid of cluster flies?
To get rid of cluster flies you can use your vacuum cleaner, aerosol fly killer or call your local professionals who will be able to use smoke bombs or foggers for more effective results.
What time of year do cluster flies appear?
spring
Cluster flies are 8mm long and are a dark grey colour, with small patches of gold hair on their back and long wings. Appearing in spring, cluster flies will begin to lay eggs outside and will hibernate in your home around nearing winter, around August time.
What is a cluster fly?
A Cluster fly is very much similar to a house fly. Cluster flies come from the ‘Calliphoridae’ family. This is the same family to which bottle or blow flies belong. Cluster flies are also known as attic flies. This name describes its characteristics very well i.e. the tendency of clustering in large numbers inside attics.
What are the symptoms of cluster flies?
Cluster flies may give out a strange odour when disturbed. Also, if flies die in wall voids, they may attract larder beetles. Cluster fly is very different from a house or a bottle/blow fly.
What is the difference between house flies and cluster flies?
Cluster flies have a dark gray, non-metallic torso and are just under a half-inch long. Size and speed distinguish this species from a common house fly. Cluster flies are larger, and these sluggish fliers are slow movers compared to house flies.
Are cluster flies the same as bottle flies?
This is the same family to which bottle or blow flies belong. Cluster flies are also known as attic flies. This name describes its characteristics very well i.e. the tendency of clustering in large numbers inside attics.