Cluster Flies
Identification, Problems and Pest Control in Lincolnshire
Cluster flies are a common seasonal pest in homes and businesses across Lincolnshire, Boston, and surrounding areas. At Lincs Pest Control, we often get asked about their behaviour, risks, and the best ways to get rid of them.
What do Cluster Flies look like?
Cluster flies are often mistaken for house flies, but there are key differences:
- They have yellow-golden hairs on the thorax.
- Their abdomen shows a patterned appearance.
- They move more slowly than house flies, often appearing sluggish.
Do Cluster Flies carry germs or diseases?
Unlike some other pests, cluster flies are not considered a major health risk. They don’t spread diseases directly, but they do crawl across surfaces and can carry bacteria from one area to another.
Do Cluster Flies bite or sting?
No, cluster flies don’t bite or sting. They are harmless to people and pets. Their main nuisance is their numbers and the mess they leave behind.
What damage do Cluster Flies cause?
- They leave small, dark spots of excrement on windows and walls.
- Dead flies inside voids or ceilings can attract other pests, such as larder beetles.
- Large infestations during autumn and winter can cause distress in homes and businesses.
Facts about Cluster Flies
- They lay eggs in soil, often near earthworm runs.
- The larvae are parasitic and feed on earthworms.
- The flies don’t return to the same harbourage, but offspring are attracted to similar sites through pheromones.
- They cluster in large numbers under tiles, eaves, and roof spaces during autumn.
- In spring, they re-emerge as adults, ready to start the cycle again.
When are Cluster Flies a problem?
As autumn arrives, cluster flies gather in huge numbers on warm, south-facing walls before moving inside. They squeeze into small gaps around:
- Roof linings
- Window frames
- Wall cracks
- Loft spaces
During winter, they hibernate together in clusters, only becoming active again once temperatures rise.
How to get rid of Cluster Flies
Prevention is possible but difficult without professional help:
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and walls.
- Maintain good building repair to limit access points.
- Aerosol sprays may kill visible flies but won’t reach hidden infestations.
For serious infestations, a professional local pest control company like Lincspest is needed. Our technicians use the correct equipment and treatments to remove flies hidden in roof voids, ceilings, and wall spaces.
Pest Control Services in Lincolnshire
At Lincspest, we provide effective cluster fly treatments as part of our wider pest control services, including:
- Residential pest control for homes dealing with flies, fleas, mice infestations (UK-specific), and more.
- Commercial pest control services for businesses across Boston, Lincoln, and wider Lincolnshire.
- Agricultural pest control to protect farms and rural properties.
- Fast response for seasonal pests, including wasp nest removal and advice on pigeon nesting season problems.
Contact Lincs Pest Control
If you’re struggling with cluster flies or any other pest issue, don’t wait until it gets worse. Contact Lincspest Lincolnshire today for expert advice and treatments. We’re trusted by homeowners, farms, and businesses across the region, offering reliable solutions from the best pest control team in Lincolnshire.
