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Cluster Fly

Cluster Fly
Key Features
  • ¼ to 3/8 inch long
  • Dark gray in color
  • Golden yellow hairs on front top of thorax
  • Overlapping wing tips
Breeding Sites
  • Earthworms
  • Soil
  • Flowers and fruits
Introduction

The common name reflects this species habit of forming compact clusters of hibernating individuals, typically in wall voids or attics. Cluster flies occur wherever their host earthworm occurs, which is usually in a well-drained silt-loam soil with grass cover.

Habits

As days shorten and the weather cools, cluster flies often enter structures to overwinter, sometimes traveling more than a mile to do so. They usually occupy attics and/or the between-wall voids of walls which receive the most sunlight, usually the south and possibly the east or west walls. Typically they use the same structure year after year. They do not multiply within structures. They can be a problem in the autumn, winter, and/or spring; autumn when they enter to hibernate, on warm sunny winter days; and again in the spring when they attempt to leave the structure. They can be stimulated by warmth to resume activity almost anytime. Sometimes it takes no more that the furnace to be turned on and thoroughly warm the inside of the structure to start activity, but it usually additionally requires a bright sunny day to warm the walls from the outside. Once stimulated, cluster flies seek light. This is why they usually come out around loose fitting wall switches and outlets, ceiling fixtures, window and door frames, window pulleys, etc… Cluster flies can usually be found at windows crawling on the panes or frames, or around lamps or lights. They are sluggish in their movements in comparison to house flies. They give off a buckwheat honey odor and leave a greasy spot when crushed. Control should begin in June or July to control cluster flies.
 

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