Ceyron Cran: Welcome back to the Loyalty Termite and Pest Control Podcast! I’m your host, Ceyron Cran, and today we’re tackling a curious case of an unwelcome winter guest: cluster flies. If you’ve found sluggish, large flies buzzing around your windows, particularly on sunny winter days here in Newark, DE, you’ve met the cluster fly. They’re not like your average housefly, and understanding them is key to keeping your home peaceful!

What makes Loyalty Termite and Pest Control your unique solution for these perplexing pests? It’s our specialized understanding of overwintering insects and our targeted exclusion methods. Unlike typical houseflies, cluster flies don’t breed indoors. Our expert technicians know their unique life cycle – they are parasitic on earthworms – and understand exactly why they choose your home for winter. We focus on sealing the specific entry points they exploit in the late summer and fall, creating a true, lasting barrier. We’re about solving the mystery of why they’re there, so you can enjoy a fly-free winter.

Cluster flies get their name because they literally “cluster” together to overwinter. In late summer and early fall, as outdoor temperatures begin to cool, adult cluster flies look for protected, warm places to spend the winter. Your home, especially the attic, wall voids, and often the south-facing exterior walls, provides the perfect refuge. They find tiny cracks and openings and, once inside these voids, they enter a dormant state. On warmer winter days, or if your heating system kicks on, they can become active and emerge into your living space, typically around windows seeking light.

Steps to Stop the Cluster Fly Conundrum:

Seal All Exterior Entry Points (Late Summer/Early Fall is Key!): This is paramount for prevention.

Caulk cracks and crevices: Pay meticulous attention to gaps around window and door frames, utility penetrations (pipes, wires), and any cracks in your foundation or siding.

Repair damaged screens: Ensure all window, door, and attic/foundation vent screens are completely intact.

Check fascia and soffit: Look for any openings or loose areas where flies might sneak into attic spaces.

Install chimney caps and seal around flues: Prevents entry through these routes.

Vacuum Indoors (Carefully): If cluster flies do get inside, gently vacuum them up. They are sluggish and won’t fly off quickly. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately outdoors to prevent any lingering odors or re-entry.

Reduce Outdoor Attractants (Indirectly): While harder to control directly, remember they feed on earthworms. A healthy lawn with good drainage may indirectly reduce massive earthworm populations, but sealing your home is your primary defense.

Manage Lighting: In the late summer/early fall when they’re seeking entry, bright exterior lights on your home can attract them. Consider dimming lights or using motion-sensor lights during peak entry times.

Expert Tip You Might Not Know:

Here’s an expert tip many people don’t realize about cluster flies: They are often attracted to the highest points of your home, especially attic vents and upper-story windows. This is because they instinctively try to climb upwards to find sheltered, elevated spots to overwinter. Therefore, if you’re experiencing a cluster fly problem, focusing your sealing and inspection efforts on the eaves, soffits, and uppermost windows of your house will yield the most significant results in preventing their entry!

A cluster fly infestation can be frustrating, especially when they appear seemingly out of nowhere in the dead of winter. While diligent sealing helps, large infestations often require professional treatment of wall voids and attics. Loyalty Termite and Pest Control has the specialized knowledge and solutions to pinpoint their entry points and apply targeted treatments that keep your home truly pest-free through the cold months.

Thanks for tuning in, and enjoy your peaceful, fly-free home! And for complete protection against all seasonal invaders, call us today for a FREE 58-point inspection! That’s 302-386-3999 or visit us online at loyaltypest.com.

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