The Difference Between Cluster Flies And House Flies

Are you getting a lot of flies in your kitchen? Wondering if they are house flies or cluster flies and what the difference is? Both can be annoying, but their behaviours and life cycles differ.

Differences in behaviour and appearance

House flies are smaller than cluster flies, about 6-7mm long, with greyish bodies. They breed in decaying organic matter, like rubbish and animal waste. Because house flies are common indoors, they can spread diseases by contaminating food. Indoors, they are more common in the summer than cluster flies.

Cluster flies, on the other hand, are larger, about 8-10mm long, with a dark grey to black body and golden hairs. They breed in soil, laying eggs in earthworm burrows. Cluster flies don’t reproduce indoors. Because of their breeding habits, they don’t spread diseases like house flies. Cluster flies become a nuisance mainly in autumn when they enter homes to hibernate.

Preventing and dealing with house and cluster flies

House flies are active all year round, especially in warmer months. They enter homes through open doors and windows, attracted by food and waste. Because they breed quickly, infestations can become severe. To control house flies, keep kitchens clean and cover food. Use fly screens on windows and doors. Proper waste management, including tightly sealed bins, also helps.

Cluster flies behave differently. They enter homes in large numbers during autumn to find hibernation spots. You’ll often find them in attics, wall cavities and unused rooms. Because they hibernate, they’re mostly inactive during winter. In spring, they become active again, seeking to exit homes. Seal cracks and gaps in walls and roofs to prevent entry. Use fine mesh screens on vents and chimneys.

Both house flies and cluster flies can be controlled using natural methods. For house flies, herbs like basil and mint deter them because of their strong scents. Keep these plants near windows and doors.

Cluster flies can be more challenging to control naturally. However, vacuuming them up when they appear in large numbers can help. Use a vacuum with a bag that you can dispose of immediately. Sealing entry points is crucial because it prevents them from entering in the first place.

When natural methods aren’t enough, professional pest control may be necessary. Wes use targeted treatments to eliminate flies effectively. We can also advise on preventative measures tailored to your home or commercial premises. Because we understand the behaviour of both cluster flies and house flies, our methods are efficient.