Tips to Eliminate a Cluster Fly Infestation at Home
Cluster flies pose an irksome pest problem;. they generally fly and attack in clusters and feed on plant sap, fruits, and flower nectar. During winters, cluster flies may typically enter homes through window cracks or doors and wreak havoc on the hygiene of the property by leaving feces on every surface. One can use simple tricks to eliminate cluster flies on their own or they can hire professional exterminators and pest control specialists for the same.
Proven ways to eliminate cluster flies at home
Here are some of the best ways to get rid of cluster flies without involving a professional exterminating service:
Vacuuming or swatting the visible flies
Unlike normal house flies, cluster flies are not fast. In fact, these pests are sluggish in nature. Given this fact and that they fly in groups, it is relatively easy to eliminate cluster flies by the dozen at one go frequently. One can simply vacuum or swat cluster flies. After doing so, one needs to clear the carcass and clean any traces of blood. Not doing so can result in dead or dying flies becoming a point of attraction for secondary pests like beetles, large ants, or rodents.
Vacuuming or swatting are the most straightforward avenues to eliminating cluster flies. One will be pleasantly surprised by how effective this seemingly simple trick is.
Spraying approved indoor pesticides
Arguably, the most effective way to get rid of cluster flies is insect sprays. One can use indoor insect sprays containing pyrethrins extracted from chrysanthemum flowers to kill cluster flies quickly. Other similarly organic ingredients are just as effective in killing cluster flies and eliminating traces of the pest from one’s home. Aiming these sprays over herds of flies can kill most of them in one shot. Elements such as pyrethrins are harmless to humans but toxic to fish. Hence, the sprays made out of them must be kept away from fish tanks and other aquatic sources and bodies.
Using light traps in areas behind walls in attics
Fly traps involving chemical lures or food do not attract cluster flies. On the other hand, light traps located in large open areas do the trick effortlessly. One can place light-based traps behind walls in attics; cluster flies tend to converge in large groups and fester aggressively around bright lights. Therefore, one can simply place the traps in long corridors, drop ceilings, and other open areas through which cluster flies travel frequently.
Using drying dust as insecticides
Another incredibly effective organic substance one can use to eliminate cluster flies from their homes is drying dust. Desiccant/drying dust-based insecticides essentially block the entrance of these flies and also hamper the movement of the pests if they do enter a building. After using the insecticide, one must make sure to remove the dead insects lying behind the walls. As stated earlier, these dead bodies can attract beetles, rodents, cockroaches, and other unpleasant creatures.
Factors to consider before hiring cluster fly exterminators
Most people would not try to take on and eliminate cluster flies by themselves. It is advisable to rely on professional exterminators for the same for an efficient and thorough job. To make the selection process simpler and more straightforward, here are certain factors one must consider before zeroing in on a specific exterminator:
Positive reviews and past customer experience
One must exclusively select cluster fly exterminators with a positive customer service and experience record. To gauge the customer reviews and experience of past users, one can go online and check the reviews left on consumer portals. Customers online tend to be pretty honest about their satisfaction, or lack thereof, with a paid product or service. So, potential customers get a good idea of how credible a given exterminator is based on prior reviews. If one sees a multitude of negative comments and poor ratings online for any service, it may be better to avoid them even if their prices are on the lower side.
Chemicals used by exterminators
Chemical-based insecticides and pesticides may be effective, but they may also be harmful to the environment around them. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can cause health and neurological issues as well. On the other hand, organic pesticides and insecticides get the job done just as well as chemical variants, and are also much safer. Therefore, customers must check whether a given exterminator uses organic pesticides or powerful yet possibly toxic chemical-based compounds to get the job done.
Experience
While newer players in the pest control business will always offer lucrative pricing and fancier (and gimmicky) services, it is also important to pay attention to a service’s experience in the field. One can simply check online or through other sources to know how long a service provider has been in the business of exterminating cluster flies and other pests. Chances are, the more experienced a given exterminator, the more refined and all-encompassing their services will be. Newer service providers may also be likelier to make mistakes during the extermination process.