We treat cluster flies in the spring and fall. Once you have a couple of fall services, cluster flies are usually a less significant problem in spring. Call or email for a free estimate.

Pollenia rudis

Size

• Adult, 1/3 inch long (slightly larger than the house fly)
• Larva, 7 to 10 mm long

Appearance

• non-metallic, dark gray
• no stripes on the thorax
• golden hairs
• dark gray abdomen with lighter patches
• wings overlap at tips when resting
• longitudinal wein in wing has sharp bend
• buckwheat honey smell when crushed

Life Cycle

• metamorphosis complete
• eggs are laid in the soil under leaves
• eggs hatch in one week on earth worms
• larva bores into a worm and develops inside the worm's body
• larval stage lasts from 13 to 22 days
• pupal stage lasts from 11 to 14 days
• life cycle is 27 to 39 days
• can be 4 generations during the summer

Habits

• hibernates in clusters in buildings, usually in attics or little used rooms
• do no damage but are a great nuisance