What can I do about Cluster flies ???

[Mossie]

My daughter's house seems to be specifically targeted by Cluster flies.

She has had several pest control companies to the house, but they haven't been able to sort the problem.

Can anybody suggest a solution ?? and why do these pests target certain houses and not others.

Many thanks

[thunder]

Originally Posted by Mossie

Can anybody suggest a solution ?? and why do these pests target certain houses and not others.

Many thanks

Nobody knows exactly why Cluster Flies target certain houses, but it is probably to do with the precise micro-climate in the loft. Changing the colour of the wall exterior might possibly do the trick, by altering that micro-climate (change light walls to dark or vice-versa). Alternatively, you could try raising the temperature of the loft slightly by installing a low wattage heater (taking all necessary care with electricity and avoiding risks of anything overheating), but to be honest, I have never heard of anyone finding a successful solution.

henrya

[JRsbugs]

I have Cluster flies, Pollenia sp. They are no problem as I have Mellinus arvensis which take several a day to place in their nests for their larva to develop on. These wasps have increased over a few years so I have many nests, they do take other flies but Pollenia sp. seem to be easy targets as they are slower.

M. arvensis nests in free draining sandy soil, in my garden they always nest in the same area where I have Campanula species in a bed which gets the sun but also some shade in the morning. They also nest at the edges of the bed where the grass meets the soil, and near the edges of nearby beds. The grass is now not being cut! I haven't seen them in any other places in the garden, perhaps that area suits them perfectly.

It would be a good idea to check out the garden to see if your daughter has Mellinus arvensis too, if the habitat is suitable and there is a good and easy supply of flies she might have them and if so they should increase in numbers so helping the fly situation. I would hate to see my wasp population suffer because of lack of flies.

My house is an older Victorian house and the roof space also has bats. If thinking of using pest control you should also be aware of what else you might be killing.

Janet