What Damage Can The Cluster Fly Cause?

What Damage Can The Cluster Fly Cause?

Cluster flies are a common nuisance for homeowners, as they are known to invade homes in large numbers during the fall and winter months, seeking a warm place to live over winter. And although they do not cause significant structural damage to homes, cluster flies can cause other problems, too. In this article, we will explore the damage that cluster flies can cause in homes.

Cluster Fly Infestation

Cluster flies are a type of fly that is commonly found throughout North America. They are typically larger than other types of flies and are primarily a nuisance pest. Cluster flies tend to infest homes during late summer and early fall when they seek shelter from cooler temperatures.

Typically, they will enter homes through gaps around doors and windows, attic vents, and other small openings around the exterior of your home.

Damage Caused By Cluster Flies

1. Staining and Odor

By nature, cluster flies will hang out around open garbage or compost piles and other decaying organic matter. In doing so, they often pick up things like bacteria, mold, and other pathogens that they bring into your home. Their presence may leave stains and an unpleasant odor, especially if they die in the home. Additionally, their droppings can stain walls, floors, and other surfaces.

2. Contamination

Cluster flies can contaminate your living areas with dirt, germs, and allergens. They can carry bacteria and other microorganisms, which can cause health problems for those with weakened immune systems. Specific types of bacteria that cluster flies can carry include Salmonella, E-coli, and others, which can pose a risk to your health.

3. Destruction of Fabrics

Cluster flies can cause severe damage to fabrics, carpets, and curtains in your home. They tend to aggregate in large clusters, making it easy for them to lay eggs. If left untreated, this can lead to moth or beetle damage to textiles, which can be a significant problem, especially for antique or heirloom pieces.

4. Aggravating Allergens

When cluster fly populations are high, they tend to release a chemical that can aggravate allergies and asthma sufferers. The release of these chemicals, known as aggregation pheromones, often cause a musty or sickeningly sweet odor that can lead to respiratory problems.

How to Control Cluster Flies

There are several ways to control cluster fly infestations, including:

1. Sealing Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to control cluster flies is by sealing entry points into your home. Make sure that all doors and windows are tightly fitted, and any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior are filled with caulking. This will effectively eliminate their entry points into your home.

2. Proper Refuse Disposal

Cluster flies are primarily attracted to decaying organic matter, which is why it is essential to dispose of garbage and other organic matter properly. Refuse management can help control the buildup of cluster fly populations, and this can help minimize the frequency of their invasions in your home.

3. Professional Pest Control Services

If your home has a significant infestation of cluster flies, it may be necessary to enlist professional help to eliminate the problem. A pest control professional can identify the source of the infestation and develop an effective pest management plan to control the problem.

4. Hygiene Practices

Good hygiene practices, such as cleaning areas of your home thoroughly, can reduce the buildup of cluster fly populations in your home. As they are attracted to organic material, cleaning spills, leakages, and various garbage is important to minimize their presence.

Pest Control in Anchorage, AK

While the damage caused by cluster flies may not be as severe or immediate as other household pests, this does not make them any less of a problem. The presence of cluster flies in your home can be uncomfortable, and over time, they can cause more damage, especially if their presence leads to secondary pest invasions.

To avoid clustering pests, homeowners must maintain a clean home environment, dispose of trash properly, and seal any gaps or holes that could allow pests to enter. Homeowners who experience problems of this sort will benefit from seeking professional assistance from a reputable pest control company.

Categorised in: Bug Control, Pest Control

This post was written by Ken Perry