
Cluster Fly
Pollenia rudis
insectsHow to Identify
Cluster flies are slightly larger than house flies, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, with a dark gray body covered in golden hairs. When crushed, they emit a characteristic sweetish odor. Unlike house flies, they are sluggish in flight.
Signs of Infestation
Large numbers of slow-moving flies clustering around windows, particularly on sunny sides of buildings, are a key sign. You might also find them hiding in attics, wall voids, and other sheltered areas during the cooler months. Dead cluster flies may accumulate in window sills and light fixtures.
Health Risks
Cluster flies do not bite or transmit diseases; however, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance in Myrtle Beach homes. Their droppings can stain surfaces, and dead flies can attract other pests, like carpet beetles. The odor from crushed flies can also be unpleasant.
Our Treatment Method
MBPC provides targeted treatments to control cluster fly infestations in the Grand Strand area. Our licensed technicians can apply residual insecticides to exterior surfaces and entry points to prevent flies from entering your home. We also offer interior treatments using specialized fogging equipment, always in compliance with SC Department of Pesticide Regulation standards.
Prevention Tips
Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and siding to prevent cluster flies from entering your home. Ensure screens are in good repair. Consider installing door sweeps and weather stripping, which are especially important in older Myrtle Beach homes with settling foundations.
Habitat
Cluster flies are common in rural and suburban areas around Myrtle Beach, where they breed in earthworms. They often seek shelter in buildings during the fall and winter to escape the cold. Coastal homes near open fields or wooded areas are particularly susceptible to infestations.
Peak activity: Fall-Winter
Identification Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Cluster Fly
Cluster flies seek shelter indoors during the cooler months, especially in attics and wall voids. They are attracted to sunny spots and often cluster around windows. Older homes in the Grand Strand with cracks and crevices are more susceptible.
Cluster flies are not known to transmit diseases or bite, but they can be a nuisance due to their sheer numbers and the stains they leave behind. Their presence can also attract other pests, so it's best to control them.
MBPC offers targeted treatments to reduce cluster fly populations, including exterior barrier sprays and interior fogging treatments. Our technicians will identify entry points and implement effective strategies to keep your home fly-free.
DIY treatments are often ineffective against cluster flies as they do not address the source of the infestation. Professional treatment from MBPC is recommended to effectively control cluster fly populations and prevent them from returning year after year in your Myrtle Beach home.
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