Cluster Flies Outdoors

Cluster flies are medium to large (8-15mm) 'dopey' flies, with a dark gray to black non-metallic abdomen. The larvae of the fly feeds on earthworms in grass pasture or lawn areas, then in late autumn and early winter the adult flies will move into homes and other buildings to hibernate over winter.

They are named cluster flies because of their habit of congregating in large groups or swarms in dark places such as attics, corners of dark rooms, 'nooks and crannies' and 'cracks and crevices'. Each fly releases a pheromone (smell) that attracts others. This pheromone will linger on even after all the flies have been destroyed and removed and thus will continue to attract cluster flies to that area so that the clusters keep recurring. It is therefore important that treatments are continued even when there are no flies present.

The flies congregate to survive through the winter and once warmer weather arrives in spring they emerge from their 'hibernation' to lay eggs on surrounding grassland, pasture and lawns. The larvae that hatch from the eggs bore into earthworms, where they feed, eventually killing the worms before pupating and emerging as adult flies. The flies go though as many as five life cycles through a summer before the last generation of the season looks for somewhere dark, warm and dry to hibernate.

To get rid of cluster flies follow these steps:

1. Release NO Bugs Super Bug Bomb inside house and buildings to kill cluster flies inside.
2. Spray interior of buildings with NO Bugs Indoor or NO Bugs Super for long term bug control. Spray exterior of building, under eaves, around window frames, on decks and in dairies.
3. Treat hatching areas in lawns and fields with LawnPro Protect. Cluster Flies stay within a confined area.

• Download the 1-2-3 Cluster Fly Control Programme

• Each fly releases a pheromone (smell) that attracts others. This pheromone will linger on even after all the flies have been destroyed and removed and thus will continue to attract cluster flies to that area so that the clusters keep recurring. It is therefore important that treatments are continued even when there are no flies present.
• The flies congregate to survive through the winter and once warmer weather arrives in spring they emerge from their 'hibernation' to lay eggs on surrounding grassland, pasture and lawns. The larvae that hatch from the eggs bore into earthworms, where they feed, eventually killing the worms before pupating and emerging as adult flies. The flies go though as many as five life cycles through a summer before the last generation of the season looks for somewhere dark, warm and dry to hibernate.
• The scientific names of cluster flies is - there are many species in the genus Pollenia.

• See the Kiwicare Fly Control Calendar
• Download the 1-2-3 Cluster Fly Control Programme