How do you tell the difference between Flies and Cluster flies?

Cluster flies or attic flies differ from their more common relatives the blowfly in a number of ways.

Unlike blow flies, cluster flies pose little or no health risk. They do not seek out food or waste to lay their eggs on, or to eat. They only enter properties to over winter.

A cluster fly infestation is normally located within a single area within the house, more often than not this is around a South or a South Westerly facing window or in the attic. Whereas blow and house flies will fly around a house, and tend to congregate around food.

The most notable difference is in numbers. Although a cluster fly infestation may start off small it will soon swarm to hundreds of individuals.

Getting rid of cluster flies

There are a number of products on the market for treating your problem, however, these can sometimes be less than effective when used by inexperienced people.

These products normally come in three forms.

> Foggers (Smoke bombs)
> Aerosol Sprays (Fly Spray)
> Contact Powder (Fly Powder)

There are also some deterrents on the market that may help prevent re-infestation.

WARNING!

There is also a risk of contaminating yourself and non-target species (including your pets) with these products. This is why we always suggest getting a pest control technician to survey your property.

After carrying out a survey, they will be able to recommend a safe and effective treatment plan.

If you want to know more about Cluster Flies then read this helpful article here.