Cluster Flies Behind The Siding
Both face and cluster flies overwinter in structures and are nuisance flies.
Cluster flies behind the siding. Unlike brick or wood homes the sugar particles which may not be detectable to the human eye stick to the vinyl siding causing flies to gather. Once inside cluster flies will hide and are usually not seen by people. Make sure to seal every possible hole or crack like around windows doors siding behind chimneys utility pipes underneath the fascia etc in the building. To get rid of existing cluster flies many people simply vacuum them up and empty the vacuum outdoors.
Cluster flies especially love decomposing food and sweets. On the homes siding in the attic and deep in the wall voids where cluster flies like to nest should be dusted with drione dust. They will overwinter inside structures in walls attics under siding within voids of overhangs in basements and in other sheltered locations. Fill all the cracks or crevices in walls window or door frames with caulking.
There is a newly patented canadian invention new meaning 2001 called the cluster buster that has the remarkable ability to attract and immobilize up to 1000 cluster flies when placed on the inside of a window pane. On warm days in early winter or when homeowners turn on indoor heat the flies become active and move toward the warmth. Based on casual observations cluster flies seem to be attracted to light colored buildings. If the siding of the building is tight then the flies have less oppportunity to make their way into the structure.
Insects such as flies are naturally drawn to vinyl siding because vinyl siding attracts build up of airborne sugar particles from nearby trees plants and brush. Using a crusader you can puff small amounts up under the exterior siding into any cracks or crevice common to log homes and into all crevices they might choose to use for hibernating. These flies are collectively called clustering flies but may actually be any of the three most common types of flies. Homeowners are often bothered by sluggish flies in their homes in late winter and early spring.
A contact pyrethrum spray like cb 80 which is approved for indoor use can help as well. To prevent cluster fly infestation you could use following tips. They mate after emerging in the spring. Cluster flies are about 8 to 10 mm 31 to 39 inches long.