Have you noticed large, lazy flies bumbling around your Boise home this winter? You’re not alone. These unexpected houseguests are likely cluster flies, a common challenge for homeowners throughout the Treasure Valley. Let’s explore why these persistent pests choose our homes and what you can do about them.
What Are Cluster Flies? Meet Your Winter Roommates
Unlike typical house flies, cluster flies aren’t interested in your leftovers. These grayish-brown flies, slightly larger than regular house flies, have a unique story. They’re earthworm hunters during the warm months! But when Idaho’s temperatures drop, they seek shelter in our warm homes.
How to Identify Cluster Flies:
– Slightly larger than house flies (about 3/8-1/2 inch long)
– Dull grayish-brown coloring
– Distinctive golden, tangled hairs on their back
– Slow, lazy flight patterns during winter months
Why Are They in Your Treasure Valley Home?
As summer winds down in Boise, cluster flies begin looking for winter shelter. Your home’s sun-warmed walls (predominantly south and west-facing) become incredibly attractive to these pests. They’re particularly fond of:
– Upper stories of homes
– Attic spaces
– Wall voids
– Areas around windows
The Cluster Fly Life Cycle in Idaho
Understanding how cluster flies live throughout the year helps explain their presence in your home:
Spring-Summer: Active outdoors, primarily in areas with:
– Irrigated lawns (typical in the Treasure Valley)
– Areas near the Boise River and other waterways
– Moist soil where earthworms thrive
Late Summer-Fall: Begin seeking winter shelter
– Start entering homes as early as mid-August
– Peak movement typically occurs in September
– Look for any available entry points around your home
Winter: Enter dormancy
– Cannot reproduce inside your home
– Become sluggish and cluster together (hence their name)
– May become active during warm, sunny winter days
Preventing Cluster Flies in Your Boise Home
Timing Is Everything
The key to controlling cluster flies is taking action before they enter your home. In the Treasure Valley, this means:
– Begin home sealing by mid-August
– Complete all prevention work by early September
– Focus on upper stories and sun-exposed walls
Essential Prevention Steps
1. Seal Entry Points:
– Check window frames and screens
– Inspect soffits and eaves
– Seal gaps in siding and around utility entries
2. Professional Treatment:
– Target potential entry points
– Use appropriate residual treatments
– Address existing infestations
The Barrier Pest Control Solution
As your local Treasure Valley pest control experts, we understand the unique challenges cluster flies present in our region. Our comprehensive approach includes:
1. Thorough Inspection: We identify all potential entry points for your home’s construction and location.
2. Preventive Treatments: Our targeted applications focus on common entry points before cluster flies move in.
3. Customized Solutions: Every home is different, and we tailor our approach to your situation.
Don’t Let Cluster Flies Take Over This Winter
If you see cluster flies in your Treasure Valley home, now is the time to act. Barrier Pest Control’s local expertise means we understand exactly when and where to target these persistent pests.
Ready for a cluster fly-free home? Call Barrier Pest Control at (208) 463-4533 for comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to your Boise area home.
[Serving Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and surrounding Treasure Valley communities]
