It is not unknown for previous generations of Cluster Flies to leave a scent to allow the Flies to follow and return to the same place the next year. This can be removed through the use of a strong disinfectant around eaves, soffits etc as this will mask the scent. This should prevent flies returning year after year.

Keep flies away from food Flies hate the smell of lemon, so take a lemon and cut it in half. Flies also hate the smell of cloves, so stick cloves throughout the flesh of each lemon half. Put the lemons in decorate bowls and place the bowls throughout the food areas. The flies should stay far away!

Install fans. Another trick you can use to keep the flies away is to invest in cooling fans. These will keep the air circulating and stop the flies from landing on your food. Installing mesh netting in restaurants with open doorways and windows will really help control the entry of flies.

You can also use some home-made sprays against cluster flies to create an unwelcoming atmosphere around your trash bins.

1. Citronella sprays or natural insect repellents are useful sometimes if you don’t want to spray chemicals.
2. A strong vinegar solution discourages them from hanging out around trash bins as well.

Cluster flies are 8mm long and are a dark grey colour, with small patches of gold hair on their back and long wings. 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.

You should see a significant reduction in your cluster fly infestation within a month of treatment. Cluster flies may not be truly eliminated as some may remain hidden, avoiding treatment. If you do not see a reduction, repeat step 1 after 30 days.

Flies in the Garage Flies are attracted to buildings by air currents and odors. Oftentimes, they will enter garages when the garage door is open. House flies can be found resting on nearly any surface including on walls, floors, window sills and other various objects found in the garage.

The beginning of a typical cluster fly lifecycle begins after the adults leave their over-wintering sites in the spring and lay eggs on the soil that contains earthworms. After 3 – 4 days these eggs hatch and the maggots (larvae) enter the body cavities of earthworms.

Nesting: In the home, the flies hide, often in a cluster in attics and walls voids, in dark corners, cracks, under clothing in closets, beneath curtains, behind pictures and furniture etc. Reproduction: In April, Cluster flies lay their eggs in cracks in the soil.

WHAT DO CLUSTER FLIES EAT?

• Cluster fly larva (maggots) burrow into the soil and feed on earthworms.
• Adult cluster flies feed on flower nectar and plant sap, fruit, flowers, and other types of organic matter.

A Cluster fly’s lifecycle is similar to the life cycle most insects have. There are 5 phases through which an egg passes to become an adult fly. These include eggs, larvae, pupae, immature fly, and finally an adult fly.