Contrary to popular belief that houseflies “die off” or hibernate when the weather cools down, the common housefly doesn’t actually die for the season. In fact, they go into a state of diapause, which means a state of reduced metabolic activity when environmental conditions are unfavorable. They take up residence in cracks and crevices where there is little-to-no human traffic, a place where they can rest safely until the warm weather returns and they can return to tormenting the human race. Since houseflies tend to hunker down in less common areas, the slow flying, sluggish flies you may find in your home during the Winter months can be identified as other types of flies. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control will help you to identify which type of fly may be plaguing your home in the late Fall to Winter months.
Cluster Flies (Pollenia Rudis)
Sometimes better known as “Attic Flies” these unwanted pests are often found hunkering down in homes here in Kentucky throughout late Fall to early Winter, then again when the weather warms up in early Spring. These flies can be identified by the distinct striping pattern found behind their heads, their short gold hairs on the thorax, and their sluggish flying. Cluster flies enter residences through small cracks and crevices in walls, through windows, doors or any other spaces they can squeeze through. Cluster flies tend to stick together and gather in large numbers. They take up residence in wall voids, attics, basements or other secluded areas of the home. Cluster flies can be rather difficult to get rid of and often require the assistance of professional pest control services. Unlike other flies who lay their eggs and hang out around decaying organic matter, cluster flies prefer to lay their eggs in soil and use earthworms as their hosts, because of this they pose little health risks to humans, they are just a major nuisance!
Blow Flies
There are many different species of blow fly that one may find in their homes. These flies sport shiny metallic coloring, often having blue, green or black thoraxes and abdomens. They are known vectors of diseases such as dysentery and salmonella, while being a major cause of bacterial infections as well. They frequent carrion, animal feces, rotting garbage and other undesirable places. They gather in small numbers and can be found hunkering down in residences to seek refuge from cold weather.
Autumn Houseflies (Musca Autumnalis)
Better known as “Face flies”, these flies are major pests in area where cattle and other livestock are present. They are most active in the warmer months when they feed on the secretions from the eyes, nose and mouths of cattle, horses or other livestock. Because these flies’ frequent areas where animal waste is present, they lay their eggs in the manure of farm animals and carrion and frequently make contact with decaying organic matter. They are known vectors of pink eye and eyeworms. These flies are sometimes difficult to identify because they are closely related to the housefly. They are slightly larger than the housefly, gray in color, sport 4 distinct lines on their thorax and have a grayish black patterning on their abdomen. Homes near livestock pastures or farmland are most at risk for invasion from this type of fly. They can be found taking shelter in homes during the cold seasons in an attempt to survive and can be tricky to get rid of.
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Pest Control for over-wintering flies is best done with the help of a pest control professional. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can assist you with all of your pest control needs this Autumn/Winter. Part of controlling fly populations in your homes starts with sealing off any entry points flies may use to gain access to your home. Each home is unique and requires a different plan of action. These flies’ frequent spaces in the home that can be almost impossible to reach on your own with makes them difficult to control on your own. Give our office a call if you need assistance or have further questions about over-wintering flies and other pests this season!
