Posted by Stanley on November 30, 2003

Q: Hi..

I live in the Northeast and now, in the late Fall, we have lots of slow, fat flies in the house..as many as 8 in one day today have been chased and swatted!

What can we do to help get rid of these flies..? I can't see any 'swarm' in the attic or basement..they just seem to appear out of nowhere.

Would spraying the attic help..? Do they eventually die out on their own..?

Should we call an exterminator..?

Your help is appreciated...

Stanley

A: The Cluster Flies you're seeing were hidden in various cracks and crevices of your house for winter hibernation (older homes have many more places for them to hide). They've undoubtedly become active on a warm day and some found their way into your living area. They aren't particularly concentrated in one area of your home - there is no swarm as you might find with bees - but may be somewhat concentrated if they cluster in a window once they've become active.

I wouldn't spray nor call an exterminator but simply wait for spring and most will leave on their own. You may find that if you have more warm spells, some will again materialize. Those that have found locations that allow access to the inside of your house may yet blunder into your living area when they become active but they're easy to capture/kill as you found out. If the next time you see lots of flies and the day is warm enough, simply open some windows and allow them an escape route. You may find the flies unsettling but they certainly won't hurt you or your pets. Good luck.

John Wiessinger ( December 1, 2003)