CLUSTER FLIES
Reasons for control
Biology
Prevention and Control
Treatment
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Guildford Borough Council only treat for cluster flies. All flies however are a public health risk due to their feeding habits, carrying diseases from one food source to another.
Reason for control.
Flies
Cluster flies
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During the summer and early autumn these flies do not cause a problem.
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It is in the late autumn and winter when these flies look for shelter that they can be a problem.
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The large amount of flies that congregate can cause a sickly smell.
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If the temperature warms up they can emerge sluggishly and cause problems in living spaces.
Biology.
- Cluster Fly (Pollenia rudis).
- Life cycle: - Egg – Larva – Pupa – Adult.
- The adult is about 6 mm long, blackish with fine gold hairs.
- The eggs are laid under rotting matter.
- The larvae parasitise earthworms by boring through the worm and developing inside.
- Adult flies feed on nectar of flowers.
- There is often two generations per year.
Prevention & Control.
Flies
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Cover food stuff.
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Bins and rubbish should be covered
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Drains should be cleared and kept clean
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Doors and windows should be fly screened
Cluster flies
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It is not practical to treat the flies outside and they do not breed inside.
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The best method is to try to prevent the flies entering premises.
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Caulking around window frames and sealing holes can help to prevent flies entering.
Treatment.
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Once inside if the flies can be seen in clusters a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove them.
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Insecticide treatments can be used although the area must be surveyed to check for bats, which are a protected animal.
Please contact the pest control officer for further advice and an appointment.
Please click here to see useful contacts for pest control matters.
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