Cluster Fly Control

July 27th, 2009 Posted in Flies & Gnats



No one likes a fly. Not even when the young Jeff Goldblum plays one in a movie. They buzz, they land, they buzz. You swat and kill and breathe a sigh of relief, and suddenly 3 more are flying around your home. If this is the case, and you can easily report several sightings of flies in your home, chances are, you have an infestation of cluster flies. They may be harmless, but they sure are a nuisance.



This article will discuss:

  • Cluster fly identification

  • Cluster fly control

Cluster Fly Identification

Unlike other flies that have a metallic coloring, the cluster fly is dark gray in color. They are often mistaken for a common housefly, however, cluster flies tend to be larger in size. They are 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch in length and can be differentiated from other flies by the presence of yellow hairs on the top of the thorax. You can find them almost everywhere in the U.S.

Cluster fly females lay their eggs singly in cracks in the soil; the larvae emerge in three days and begin to seek out their food source: earthworms. After burrowing into the earthworm, the larvae feed for about three weeks before pupating. In two weeks, the adult flies ( of which emerge and feed on flowers.

Late winter and early spring are when these flies become a problem outside since these pests are parasites of earthworms, the more abundant earthworms are around the home, the more likely it is that cluster flies will become a pest both indoors and outdoors.

*Note: Earthworms are most abundant around places where manure has been piled or stored and are common in grassy areas characterized by moist soil.


In the fall, adults will often attempt to move into homes. They are seeking warm locations for shelter. It is important to catch them before this occurs. Cluster flies have even been known to squeeze around the edges of windows that are weather-proofed, although most infestations occur in the upper areas of a building.

Cluster Fly Control

As long as the house or building is near an area where there are a lot of earthworms, the potential for cluster flies is present. In homes, they are commonly found:

  • Between walls

  • Empty and unused rooms

  • Attics

  • Basements

  • Ceilings

  • Garages

To control and prevent them:

  • Seal as many cracks and holes on the outside of the home as possible, especially on the south and west walls where the sun heats the home during the late summer and fall
  • Be sure that all foundation and attic vents have tight-fitting screens
  • Check the soffit vents on the roof

Cluster flies that do manage to get into your home can be safely and effectively controlled with organic pesticides. EcoSMART’s organic insecticide can be applied outdoors to window frames, door frames, as well as any other areas that are vulnerable to entry. You might also want to spray surrounding soil.


Alyse Popp

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  10. By Barb C. on Oct 28, 2009

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  11. By Michele on Apr 19, 2010

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