Cumbria homeowners warned of cluster flies invading attics

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 10:30 · Archive

Cluster flies are gathering in Cumbrian attics and roof spaces as temperatures drop ahead of hibernation season.

Homeowners in Cumbria are being warned to watch for cluster flies as temperatures drop. Experts from the British Pest Control Association say the flies gather in large numbers in attics and roof spaces across the region in autumn as they look for sheltered places to hibernate.

Cluster flies are around 8mm long and dark grey with yellow-coloured hairs on the back and distinct lines or stripes behind the head. They can become a recurring problem, as they may return to the same location year after year.

Natalie Bungay, head of membership and technical at the BPCA, said that a mass of cluster flies 'can become a nuisance in the house, especially in large numbers'. She explained that female cluster flies lay their eggs on the soil surface, where the larvae burrow into the ground seeking food such as earthworms. This means they do not present a contamination issue, unlike many other fly species that lay eggs in human food. However, they can become a problem in homes when they emerge in spring and again when they gather to hibernate in autumn.

For small infestations, homeowners can use a vacuum cleaner or aerosol fly spray. Larger outbreaks may need professional treatment. The BPCA recommends using a BPCA member for heavy infestations, who may use insecticidal treatment. The BPCA's No Small Matter report estimates that pest management companies in the UK responded to more than 4.4 million jobs in 2025.

How it is being reported

• Cumbria homeowners warned of flies invading attics as temperatures dropCumbria homeowners are being warned about cluster flies gathering in attics and roof spaces as colder weather arrives, with experts offering advice on tackling infestationsNW Evening Mail · 15 Oct, 09:54
• Cumbria homeowners warned of flies invading attics as temperatures dropCumbria homeowners are being warned about cluster flies gathering in attics and roof spaces as colder weather arrives, with experts offering advice on tackling infestationsWestmorland Gazette · 15 Oct, 09:54
• Cumbria homeowners warned of flies invading attics as temperatures dropCumbria homeowners are being warned about cluster flies gathering in attics and roof spaces as colder weather arrives, with experts offering advice on tackling infestationsWhitehaven News · 15 Oct, 09:54
• Cumbria homeowners warned of flies invading attics as temperatures dropCumbria homeowners are being warned about cluster flies gathering in attics and roof spaces as colder weather arrives, with experts offering advice on tackling infestationsCumberland News · 15 Oct, 09:54

In this story: British Pest Control Association · Cumbria · Natalie Bungay

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