cluster flies
Slow, sluggish winter pests
Cluster flies are large, sluggish flies that gather in swarms, typically invading buildings in autumn to overwinter in attics, wall voids, and window frames.
Unlike houseflies, they don't breed indoors—their larvae parasitize earthworms.
They're named for their habit of clustering together in large numbers: The sunny side of the house was covered with cluster flies.
Mass of moving insects
- invasionForcible entry into territory
- overrunSpread throughout uncontrollably
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
- plagueDeadly epidemic disease
nuisance · eradication · exterminate · fumigate · pesticide · infestation · menace · scourge
Projecting roof edges
- raftersSloped roof beams
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- sidingExterior wall covering
- crevicesNarrow splits in surfaces
windowsills · ceiling · loft · gables · overwintering · south-facing · dormant · sluggish
Gathering mature crops
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- shorter daysReduced sunlit hours
September · October · frost · gathering · congregating · warmth · seasonal cycle
- blowflyCarrion-breeding fly
- houseflyDomestic dipteran insect
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- parasitoidHost-dependent killer organism
entomology · arthropod · compound eyes · thorax · abdomen · antennae · proboscis · wings
Complete destruction of a group
- pesticideAgent destroying harmful organisms
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- vacuumAbsence of matter
exclusion · sealing · caulk · screens · prevention · pest management · professional · trap
swarm
Mass of moving insects
- invasionForcible entry into territory
- overrunSpread throughout uncontrollably
- outbreakSudden eruption of trouble
plague · nuisance · eradication · exterminate · fumigate · pesticide · infestation · menace · scourge · aggregation
eaves
Projecting roof edges
- raftersSloped roof beams
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
- sidingExterior wall covering
crevices · windowsills · ceiling · loft · gables · overwintering · south-facing · dormant · sluggish · torpor
harvest
Gathering mature crops
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- chillCold sensation or relaxation
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
shorter days · September · October · frost · gathering · congregating · warmth · seasonal cycle
diptera
parasitoid · entomology · arthropod · compound eyes · thorax · abdomen · antennae · proboscis · wings · checkered pattern
extermination
Complete destruction of a group
- pesticideAgent destroying harmful organisms
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
vacuum · exclusion · sealing · caulk · screens · prevention · pest management · professional · trap · light trap
cluster flieshouseflies
Common buzzing household insects
blowflies · fruit flies · horse flies · bot flies · stable flies
cluster, fly, clusters, clustered, clustering, flies, flew, flown, flying