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These flies are commonly found throughout Europe and the UK. The name refers to their habit of clustering together in large numbers and hibernating in buildings.
There are several species found in the UK but they are often found in mixed swarms.
The sizes vary between species from 6 - 10mm.
They are slightly larger than the house fly and appear to fly more sluggishly.
Cluster flies can be recognised by their distinctive stripes behind the head, short golden hairs on their thorax and a mottled light/dark grey abdomen.
Eggs are laid on damp soil or beneath dead and rotting leaves.
The adult flies feed on the nectar of garden and wild flowers.
As a free-living insect the length of the life cycle is weather dependent. In Britain two generations of cluster flies are common, but in hot summers up to four are possible.
During the summer and early autumn cluster flies are rarely noticed as they are away from buildings.
As the season cools they seek shelter in nooks and crannies in houses and other buildings.
Cluster flies will start entering buildings during the autumn to escape the colder weather and to survive the winter
When the weather starts becoming warmer in the spring they will become more active again and will be more noticeable
Cluster flies are usually found in rural or semi-rural areas and can be found in loft spaces or sometimes in unused rooms, or around sash windows
They are usually seen in large groups and will often be noticed around sunny windows
An appointment will be made for an officer to visit you at a suitable time
Access to loft spaces will be required; we have ladders that are able to access most domestic loft spaces
The pest control officer will visit and assess the location of the cluster flies
Wearing protective clothing the officer will then set up ULV equipment which is a machine that will effectively disperse an insecticide into the area, usually the loft space
The length of time the machine is run will depend on the size of the loft space
Following the treatment the cluster flies will become very active and will start to die very quickly, this usually starts within a few minutes of the treatment
The insecticide used will destroy that generation of cluster flies but it will not prevent them returning
Cluster Flies are not known to carry diseases in this country
However large clusters of flies are often considered a nuisance
It is extremely difficult to prevent cluster flies entering a property
Fly proofing a building is not 100% effective. However, caulking around windows, and sealing obvious entry points can help
It has been observed that a single building in a row of apparently identical buildings will be selected for clustering year after year. This is no indication of poor hygiene standards and no explanation for the phenomenon has been found
If you are experiencing regular cluster fly problems we are able to offer treatment to destroy the current cluster fly generation
What does it cost?
Service
Standard cost
Concessionary cost
Up to 2 loft spaces
£110
£72
Each additional loft space
£20
£10.50
Advisory visit (no treatment needed)
£40
£40
Appointment cancelled (on day of appointment or after midday the last working day before)
£40
£40
Missed appointment
£40
£40
Concessionary cost
The qualifying benefit that is accepted is for those receiving Council Tax Reduction (CTR), this discount does not include Single Persons Council Tax discount.
We reserve the right to check those claiming a discount to ensure they are currently in receipt of CTR.
Service
Fee
Treatment (per hour)
£98
Call out fee (if no treatment necessary)
£52
Appointment cancelled (on day of appointment or after midday the last working day before)
Wiltshire Council