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To protect your office from pests, you must focus on exclusion (sealing them out), sanitation (denying food and water), and proactive monitoring. Neglecting pest control can lead to property damage, health violations, or even forced closure by local authorities. How Pest Infestations Can Impact Office Businesses Unhappy staff! Costs to repair damage caused by pests such as chewed pipes and cables Disruption to the business if you must close to carry out a pest treatment Complaints and claims from employees or the public Loss of income from un-rentable or unsaleable office space Damage to your reputation Disputes with your neighbouring businesses if pests transfer to their offices Termination of rental contracts if your landlord considers you have encouraged or not prevented or removed a pest problem Practical Tips for Office Pest Control Clean your kitchen Areas properly and frequently. Instil in your employees the importance of good hygiene by making sure they clean up spills and crumbs and dispose of their rubbish and leftover food and drink. Check your bins Are emptied regularly and external bins taken away for disposal. Make sure bins have tight fitting lids and consider investing in external pest proof bins. Clear desk policies Are easier to implement in our connected world so there’s no excuse for employees to create pest harbourage and food sources on their desks anymore! Pest proof your office Make sure regular maintenance jobs are completed by blocking holes and sealing gaps. Pay attention to the high-risk areas such as window frames and doors, pipes and air vents. Fix leaks as soon as you spot them, pests need water as well as a food source. Train your staff To spot a potential or actual pest problem. For example, make sure your maintenance staff are actively looking for access points and pest harbourage. Ask your cleaners and other office staff to look out for signs of pests such as droppings, strong smells and insects on plants. Make sure your caretakers or building maintenance staff pay attention to the external permitter keeping shrubs and trees cut back and preferably away from the building, clearing piles of leaves and keeping window and door frames clean and clear All of these things will help you to minimise your risk of experiencing a pest problem in your office business Top Five Pests Found in Offices Rats Mice Ants Flies Cockroaches How to Deal with an Office Pest Infestation The first thing to do is not panic. Make sure your staff report any problems as soon as they are spotted and explain they should not try to handle a pest problem themselves for their own and others’ health and safety. Call a professional pest controller, they have access to solutions not available to the general public and they are trained to deal with pests in a safe and effective manner. If you have a pest problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. For all your office pest problems in Herefordshire or Worcestershire give PGM & Son Pest Control Services a call on our local number 01981 540088 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

To finish off the month we thought we’d share a passage from Bernadine Evaristo’s Booker Prize winning book ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ that we thought really summed up pest control. “Daddy worked in Pest Control for the council, which gave him great job satisfaction, no two days are ever the same, he’d say, as they sat around the kitchen table eating their tea of fish fingers and salad, it’s my role to kill the devilish vermin who plague people’s properties and give them nightmares, and then to heal their trauma with reassuring words it’s a vocation, a calling, my contribution to the world , y’unnderstan?" Apart from the “kill the devilish vermin” (as responsible pest controllers, this should always be a last resort), the words “great job satisfaction”; “no two days are the same”; “heal their trauma with reassuring words” and “it’s a vocation, a calling” really resonated with us. The Definition of a Pest Controller Pest Control is all about helping people, finding solutions to problems and commitment. We thought Bernadine Evaristo summed this up brilliantly in her magnificent literary piece. For all your pest control services contact PGM & Son Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk About PGM Pest Control PGM & Son is an Award-Winning service that provide pest control solutions to individuals and businesses across all locations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We offer a variety of techniques, including pesticide free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods. We are available 7 days a week to eradicate your pest problems - rats , mice , cluster flies , fleas , squirrels , moles , cockroaches , insect control , carpet beetles , bed bugs , wasps , bees , hornets , and bird proofing works .

With bonfire night here once again PGM pest control are urging Herefordshire and Worcestershire residents to take care of one of nature’s most loved pest controllers, The Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are great natural pest control in the garden as they eat slugs, snails and insects saving your much-loved flowers and plants from destruction. Hedgehog's are natures pest controller Advice this 5th November is to check and re-check your bonfire stack before lighting it to make sure there are no hedgehogs hiding inside. As the leaves are falling from the trees in abundance, check piles of leaves for hedgehogs. How to Make a Cheap Hedgehog Temporary Home If you find a hedgehog in your bonfire, make a nice cozy hedgehog home from a cardboard box, some piles of leaves or straw leaving a good size entry gap for the hedgehog to get in. Put the box in a safe, quiet place such as a shed or garage well away from the festivities and offer the hedgehog some meaty cat or dog food and water. Once the embers are totally dampened down, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or behind a stack of logs near where it was found, with its original nesting materials. Read more about how to keep hedgehogs safe this bonfire night at The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) If you come across rats whilst making your garden hedgehog safe Call PGM & Son Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

It’s Cluster Fly season. With Autumn almost upon us, the cluster flies are gathering and we’re already seeing an increase in call outs across Herefordshire and Worcestershire for Cluster Fly problems . What Do Cluster Flies Look Like? Cluster flies are dark greyish flies about 8mm long with yellowish hairs on the back and with overlapping wings. In Autumn they congregate in large numbers in upper rooms or roof spaces of houses to hibernate. They will then re-emerge in Spring to seek out egg laying sites outside. A mass of cluster flies has a characteristic smell. They are sluggish in flight and are a nuisance in the house. The larvae of one species are parasitic upon certain earthworms, so this species is more common in rural areas. Had a Problem With Cluster Flies Previously? Unfortunately, it is a fact that cluster flies tend to return to the same locations each year so if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously you will likely suffer the same fate in the future. Cluster fly prevention is unrealistic, but please don’t worry, there are steps you can take to sort out your cluster fly problems! Are Cluster Flies a Public Health Issue? Cluster flies can be a nuisance, particularly when they congregate in significant numbers. However, you should be reassured that cluster flies are not considered “filth” flies. That said, cluster flies in significant numbers not only cause a nuisance but they can create a mess and the smell cluster flies emit in numbers is very strong and off putting. How to Reduce Risk of Suffering from Cluster Flies Carry out essential maintenance to proof your home, caravan or holiday home to reduce the numbers of cluster flies entering your property Vacuum up your cluster flies Getting Rid of Cluster Flies If you have a heavy cluster fly infestation, it’s best to call on a qualified pest controller who can use solutions not available to the general public. Professional pest controllers are trained to handle cluster fly problems and may decide to use insecticides or smoke generators to resolve your cluster fly problems. Read more FAQ's about cluster flies . Always ensure that your pest technician is a member of the BPCA, British Pest Control Association, who will be professionally trained and who can control pests safely, legally and effectively, find your local BPCA pest control controller here . If you’ve need to get rid of Cluster Flies, give PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the pest assist facility on the right side of your screen.

Halloween has crept in… and so have the creepy crawlies! 👀 We’re thrilled to launch our brand new Creepy Crawlies Activity Book — a free downloadable activity pack created by the best pest control company in Herefordshire and Worcestershire , designed to bring spooky smiles (and a little learning) to families this Halloween. Packed with puzzles, colouring pages, brain teasers and fun facts, this activity book is the perfect way to keep kids entertained over the October half term — while discovering the fascinating world of rats, bats, spiders and more! Get ready for some frightfully fun learning this Halloween! 🎃 We’re excited to launch our brand new Creepy Crawlies Activity Book — a free downloadable activity pack filled with puzzles, colouring pages, and spooky pest-inspired games for children aged 6–12+. Whether your little monsters love bugs, enjoy solving mysteries, or just want something fun to do over half term, this free Halloween activity book to download is packed with creepy-crawly challenges that will keep them entertained for hours! What’s Inside the Creepy Crawlies Activity Book? This Halloween edition is packed with family fun for every age — with three levels of difficulty so everyone can join in: 🐛 Easy mazes, colouring pages, and spot-the-difference games. 🦇 Word searches, puzzles, and the Pest Detective Quiz. 🕷️ Riddles, creative challenges, and trickier logic games. Each page is pest-themed and full of creepy-crawly characters — from sneaky mice to fluttering bats and spooky spiders — perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Learning Disguised as Fun As the UK’s leading pest management experts, we know pests can be a bit spooky… but they’re also fascinating! Our Creepy Crawlies Activity Book helps children (and adults too!) discover: Why certain pests visit our homes How to spot the signs of unwanted guests Simple ways to help keep spaces clean and pest-free It’s a light-hearted, educational way to introduce families to pest awareness — all while having some Halloween fun. Part of Our Pest Activity Book Series If your family enjoyed our original Bug Activity Book , you’ll love this new Halloween edition! It’s the next step in our free educational series designed to make pest awareness interactive, creative and fun for all the family! Spooky Section 1 - (6-8 years) Spooky Section 2 - (8-10 years) Spooky Section 3 - (10-12+ years) 👻 Download Your Free Copy Today! The Creepy Crawlies Activity Book is completely free to download — no tricks, just treats! Follow these simple steps: Click the Download Button  – Look for the big button below. Open, Print, and Play!  – Enjoy hours of spooky, buggy fun during half term and Halloween. Download your free Creepy Crawlies Activity Book here ⬇ Print it, share it, and enjoy some spooky family fun this October half term. Join the Half Term Halloween Fun! We’d love to see your creepy-crawly creations and pest-busting detectives! Share your artwork or completed pages on social media using #CreepyCrawliesChallenge — and you might see your masterpiece featured on our pages. Happy Halloween from all of us at PGM & Son Pest Control! Stay safe, stay spooky, and remember — even the creepiest crawlies have a story to tell! 🕷️

This week we’re looking at squirrels. Here’s our pointers for checking whether you have a squirrel problem: Noise – scratching, rustling in attic and wall cavities Urine – a smelly loft could indicate a squirrel infestation has set in Doppings – pest controllers can tell the difference between rat, mice and squirrel droppings for you Damage to your property – holes in vents; torn insulation; problems with electrical wires Other squirrels in the vicinity – near roofs or high fences Evidence in the garden – bird feeders knocked over, damaged or disturbed or trees stripped of bark Gnaw marks on ceilings or woodwork. Contaminated cold water tanks and loft spaces. Stripped insulation on electrical wiring. What can you do to avoid a squirrel problem in your home or business? Block gaps and entrance holes Trim trees back especially over hanging branches Seal entry points Remove items stacked against the side of the property Trim dense ivy Squirrels are fairly strong for their size and also persistent. If the proofing is not secure, then the squirrels may be able to pull it out! For tree protection, close fitting metal sleeves can protect them from the strong rodent incisors. A bit about squirrels: Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are invasive pests, not native to the UK. Because grey squirrels are an invasive pest species, it is against the law to re-release a grey squirrel if it’s been caught alive. This means that any person who catches a grey squirrel alive is legally obliged to humanely dispatch it. As their numbers have increased in the UK, so has the damage they cause. This is where professional pest control comes in. The grey squirrel is recognised as being in the top worst 100 invasive pest species in the world by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Here in Britain and Europe, is classed as an Invasive Alien Species (IAS) which is any animal that is not native to the UK. 3 Reasons to Control Grey Squirrels Potential to damage to your home, business and health The destruction of UK forests The impact on our native wildlife, in particular the red squirrel Did You Know? Squirrels are rodents, which means they need to gnaw to wear down their continuously growing incisors. They can, and do, cause significant damage to property including pipes, insulation and electrical cables. Do Squirrels Damage The Environment? Squirrels strip bark at the base of trees which causes them to weaken and eventually to die. They also damage orchards and gardens, destroying bulbs and other plant life. They wreak havoc on historic and ancient woodlands. The European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) point out that around 12% of England is covered by trees and this is set to rise. ESI are concerned, unless something is done, there will be no oak, beech, or sweet chestnut mature trees left in the years to come. Are Squirrels a Threat to Native Wildlife? Grey squirrels also raid birds’ nests to prey on eggs and fledglings (figures from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust suggest fledgling rates reduced by 15% due to predation by grey squirrels). They eat tree nuts and recently sown seeds depriving native wildlife of food sources. The grey squirrel was deliberately introduced to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from North America in the Victorian era. Since then, it’s colonised 90% of England and Wales and is becoming a problem in Scotland. Grey squirrels are responsible for the decline in native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) numbers. The Wildlife Trusts estimates there are only around 140,000 native red squirrels left in the UK, compared to 2.5 million grey squirrels. Grey squirrels can transmit the squirrelpox virus to red squirrels, to which they themselves are immune but red squirrels are not. Once a red squirrel has squirrelpox, it’ll usually die of dehydration within 2 weeks. Our Squirrel Control and Proofing Service provides effective solutions for dealing with nuisance squirrels in lofts, roof spaces, and other areas of your property. We begin by inspecting your home to identify signs of squirrel activity, entry points, and potential risks. Using humane and professional control methods, we safely remove squirrels and minimise further disruption. To ensure long-term protection, we carry out proofing works such as sealing access points and reinforcing vulnerable areas. Our approach not only resolves current infestations but also prevents future squirrel problems, protecting your property from damage and disturbance. If you're worried about squirrels entering your property then call us on 01981 540088 for help, support and guidance. We cover all local areas across the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

We’re proud to be known as an award-winning pest control company  serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire . For years, we’ve been trusted by homeowners, landlords, farms, restaurants, schools, and businesses across the two counties to deliver fast, affordable, effective, and discreet pest control solutions. Now, we’re taking another step toward being even closer to our local community: 👉 We’re Officially on Nextdoor! Recommend us on NextDoor! What Is Nextdoor and Why We’ve Joined Nextdoor  is the free neighbourhood app that connects local people and businesses. It’s where residents share recommendations , ask for advice , and discover trusted local services — from plumbers and gardeners to pest control experts! By joining Nextdoor, we’re making it easier for our customers in Hereford , Ledbury , Ross-on-Wye , Bromyard , Leominster , Worcester , Malvern , Pershore , Evesham , and Droitwich Spa  to: Find fast, reliable local pest control services Ask questions and get expert pest advice Leave recommendations to help their neighbours Stay updated with local pest alerts and prevention tips We’re proud to be part of the same communities we serve — and Nextdoor is the perfect place to stay connected with our neighbours. How to Find Us on Nextdoor It’s easy to connect, follow and recommend us: Open the Nextdoor app  or visit nextdoor.co.uk Search for PGM & Son Pest Control Services  under “Businesses” Click Follow  to stay updated with our local posts and advice Message us directly for pest control help or 24-hour call-outs 👉 Visit our Nextdoor pest control page for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Whether you’ve spotted rats in your garden, a wasp nest in the loft, or signs of mice in your garage, our friendly team is just a message away . Our Commitment to Local Customers We’re proud to be an award-winning pest control company , trusted throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire  for our reliability, professionalism, and honest service. Our Experienced RSPH Level 2 Pest Technicians are: Fully qualified and insured Local to the area , with expert knowledge of rural and urban pest issues Available 24 hours a day  for emergencies Committed to safety, discretion, and customer satisfaction Because we live and work locally, we understand the pest challenges unique to this region — from rural rodent activity to wasp infestations in older properties. We treat every customer’s property as if it were our own. Our Most Popular Pest Control Services We provide a full range of pest control solutions across Herefordshire and Worcestershire , including: Rodent Control (Rats & Mice)  – Fast, humane removal and prevention for homes, farms, and commercial sites. Wasp Nest Removal  – Using advanced technology to remove wasp nests, particularly in hard-to-reach locations. Loft Clearance & Removal of Contaminated Material  – Safe removal of pest contamination and waste, restoring your loft to a clean, usable space. Mole Control  – Discreet and effective trapping for gardens, fields, and paddocks. Bed Bug & Flea Treatments  – Thorough treatments for homes, hotels, and rental properties. Bird Proofing & Guano Cleaning  – Protecting buildings from pigeon damage and nesting. Each treatment is carefully planned to suit your property, using safe and environmentally responsible methods. 💬 Join the Conversation on Nextdoor We’d love you to follow our business page on Nextdoor! It’s a great way to: Stay up to date with local pest alerts  across Herefordshire and Worcestershire Get free pest prevention tips  from our team Ask for advice before small pest problems become big ones Recommend us to your friends, neighbours, or local groups We’ll also be sharing community updates , success stories , and exclusive Nextdoor offers  — so it’s well worth following if you’re in our area. 📞 Stay Pest-Free and Connected We’re proud to serve our local community every day — and being on Nextdoor  helps us do that even better. If you’re dealing with a pest issue or just want some friendly local advice, we’re always here to help! Call us on (01981) 540088  for 24-hour pest control, or Message us directly on Nextdoor   to connect with our friendly team. Together, we’ll keep Herefordshire and Worcestershire homes and businesses pest-free — one neighbourhood at a time. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions Why have you joined Nextdoor? We’ve joined Nextdoor to make it easier for local homeowners and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to find us, message us, and read reviews from real neighbours . It’s a trusted local platform where people recommend reliable services — and we’re proud to be part of that community . Can I message you directly on Nextdoor for pest control help? Yes! You can send us a direct message on Nextdoor for quick advice, to book an inspection, or to request an emergency call-out. We respond promptly and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please Note : If your enquiry is urgent we recommend phoning 01981 540088 or text message / WhatsApp 07964 370480 for real-time pest queries. Do you only cover Herefordshire and Worcestershire? These are our main service areas. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just send us a quick message on Nextdoor or call 01981 540088. What pests do you deal with? We handle all common UK pests including cockroaches , rats , mice , wasps , cluster flies , bed bugs , fleas , moles , squirrels , woodworm , and pigeons . We also offer loft clearance and disinfection after pest activity , and drone surveys for aerial pest inspections , helping to restore your property safely. Are your treatments safe for pets and children? Yes! Absolutely . All our pest control methods are safe, targeted, and professionally applied. We always prioritise safety and will explain any necessary precautions before starting treatment. How do I recommend you to my neighbours on Nextdoor? Once you’re on our Nextdoor business page, click the “Recommend” button — your feedback helps others in your area find a reliable, local pest control company they can trust.

If you’re having an issue with cluster flies in Herefordshire or Worcestershire this year, you can try to reduce their numbers by carrying out some basic property maintenance. How to Reduce the Numbers of Cluster Flies Seal gaps around your windows Re-point your brickwork, especially around windows Make use of fly papers Vaccum them up! Unfortunately, though there is little you can do to stop flies getting in and if one fly can get in then so can many others. Why Am I Seeing Cluster Flies? Cluster flies start to enter buildings during the autumn to escape the colder weather and to survive winter As the weather starts to warm up in spring, they become active again and so more noticeable Cluster flies are usually found in rural or semi-rural areas and can be found in loft spaces or sometimes in unused rooms, or around sash windows Cluster flies are usually seen in large groups and will often be noticed around sunny windows Should I be Worried about Cluster Flies? The answer is that cluster flies aren’t a public health issue as they aren’t “filth” flies but they can still be a public nuisance. Cluster flies usually congregate in significant numbers and so create a mess and they can be very smelly. YUK! Commonly, when opening a window or a loft hatch, people report experiencing a shower of cluster flies which is not pleasant. Why do I Have Cluster Fly Problems Every Year? Cluster flies tend to return to the same locations each year so unfortunately, if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously you may well have the same problem again in future. The good news is that cluster fly treatment is simple and effective. You need to be realistic and appreciate that long term cluster fly prevention is difficult to achieve. It is possible to install electric fly killer machines but, again, you need to be realistic about what can be achieved where cluster fly numbers are significant. What Does a Cluster Fly Look Like? They are dark greyish in colour and 8mm long with yellowish hairs on the back and overlapping wings. Image: Wikipedia Often you will find them congregating in large numbers in upper rooms or roof spaces of houses where they hibernate. Cluster flies can seem sluggish and in number, they can cause a very unpleasant smell. PONGEY! If you have a cluster fly problem, don’t worry, get in touch with your local pest control professional for help, support and guidance. As a professional, qualified pest control company we have access to solutions not available to the public and can treat your cluster fly problem for you. Learn more about our cluster fly control services . If you have got a pest problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. For all your pest problems give PGM & Son Pest Control a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Suffering with Cluster Flies? Is opening your windows becoming a problem? Cluster flies aren’t considered a public health issue in that they aren’t “filth” flies but they can still be a public nuisance. As they tend to congregate in great numbers, they create a mess and they can be very smelly. Often when someone opens a window, they may experience a shower of cluster flies which isn’t very pleasant. Reports of opening loft hatches only to be bombarded by thousands of cluster flies dropping down on your akin to something out of “I’m a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here” isn’t exactly a nice experience either! How to Tell if you Have Cluster Flies? More common in rural areas due to the fact they are parasitic upon certain earthworms, cluster flies are dark greyish in colour and 8mm long with yellowish hairs on the back and overlapping wings. Around Autumn time you can usually find them congregating in large numbers in upper rooms or roof spaces of houses where they hibernate. They can seem sluggish and vast numbers of them can cause a very unpleasant smell. If you have a cluster fly problem, don’t worry at PGM & Son Pest Control we have it covered! As a professional, qualified pest control company we have access to solutions not available to the general public and can treat your cluster fly problem for you. Read our FAQs about cluster flies or use our pest assist facility on the bottom right hand side of your screen. I paid for a pest controller to get rid of my cluster flies last year but they are back again! Unfortunately, it is a fact that cluster flies tend to return to the same locations each year so if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously it’s not unusual for you to have a problem again. Long term cluster fly prevention is therefore unrealistic but please don’t worry because there are steps you can take to sort out your cluster fly problems! For example you can: Reduce the numbers of cluster flies entering your property by carrying out basic property maintenance Get your hoover out and vacuum them up! For all your cluster fly problems give PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation quote . If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for pest advice so don’t worry about your cluster fly problems, give us a call now!

Quick Navigation To help you find what matters most, we’ve added links below that jump straight to each section. What are Cluster Flies? What Do Cluster Flies Look Like? Seasonality of Cluster Flies How Do Cluster Flies Differ from Other Types of Flies? Health Concerns with Cluster Flies Signs of a Cluster Fly Infestation How To Get Rid of Cluster Flies FAQs Cluster flies are a common pest problem for homeowners and businesses. These flies are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to the structure of a building if left untreated. In this blog post, we will be discussing everything you need to know about cluster flies, including their behaviour, life cycle, and how to prevent and control infestations in your home and business. What are cluster flies? Cluster flies are a type of fly that typically enters homes and buildings in large numbers during the autumn, seeking a warm place to spend the winter. Image credit: Wikipedia What do cluster flies look like? Cluster flies are typically larger and slower moving than other common house flies. They have a characteristic golden or yellowish-brown colour and are often mistaken for the common house fly. However, cluster flies are found in numbers in lofts or the upper levels of homes or buildings, whereas house flies are more commonly found in kitchens and living areas. Seasonality of cluster flies Cluster flies are more prevalent during certain times of the year, typically from late summer to early autumn and again in early Spring. This is because the adult flies are looking for a warm place to spend the winter, and your home is the perfect place for them. They then re-emerge in the Spring to lay their eggs. During these months, it's important to be extra vigilant about inspecting your home for signs of infestation and taking preventative measures to keep the flies out. How do cluster flies differ from other types of flies? Cluster flies are larger, around 8mm, and slower-moving than common house flies and have a distinct pattern of yellowish, golden hairs on their thorax. Cluster flies belong to the genus Pollenia, which is part of the Polleniidae family Cluster flies get their name because they tend to gather in large numbers, or “clusters”, especially when they enter buildings to hibernate during the colder months, often entering homes and buildings in large numbers during the autumn. Unlike house flies, they do not breed or feed indoors and are not considered a health hazard. What are the identifying characteristics of cluster flies? Cluster flies are larger than the common house fly, measuring about 8-10 mm in length. They are typically dark grey in colour and have a distinct pattern of golden hairs on their thorax. Their wings are held flat over their backs and their bodies are slightly rounded. Cluster flies tend to move in a slow, lazy manner How do cluster flies reproduce and spread? Cluster flies have a life cycle that typically lasts for about a month. The adults lay their eggs in soil, the larvae then hatch and feed on earthworms. After several weeks, the larvae pupate and emerge as adult flies. Once matured the adults will seek out warm, protected areas to spend the winter, often congregating in large numbers in lofts and wall voids of homes and buildings. How do cluster flies impact humans and the environment? Cluster flies are not considered a health hazard as they don't breed or feed indoors. However, they can be a nuisance when they gather in large numbers in homes and buildings. They do not damage structures or property, but their presence can be a source of annoyance for homeowners. They don't transmit any diseases to human or animals, it is also not considered harmful to the environment. Health concerns While cluster flies do not pose a direct health risk to humans or pets, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The flies tend to release a musty odor which can be a source of allergies, breathing problems, and headaches. To minimise exposure, you should try to keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers or air fresheners to neutralise the smell Additionally, if you are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect may be related to a cluster fly infestation, you should consult with a doctor or an allergist. How do cluster flies infest properties? Cluster flies typically enter homes and buildings through small cracks or openings, such as around windows and doors. They are attracted to warm, protected areas, such as lots, wall cavities and chimneys, which provide a safe place for them to spend the winter. Once inside, they can become a major nuisance as they buzz around and can leave a strong musty smell. Signs of a cluster fly infestation The most obvious sign of a cluster fly infestation is the presence of the flies themselves. They may be found in large numbers, especially in the upper levels of the home. In addition, you may notice a musty smell in the affected areas. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take immediate action to prevent further infestation escalating. They can also leave stains on your property and when the die in numbers can be very unsightly and some people may find this distressing. What are the common methods for controlling and preventing cluster fly infestations? Preventing a cluster fly infestation in the first place is the best way to control them. Preventing cluster flies from entering the home can be done by sealing entry points such as cracks and gaps around windows and doors and installing screens on vents and chimneys. Once inside, the flies can be vacuumed or trapped, and pesticides can be used as a last resort. Keeping windows closed during the autumn when cluster flies are most active can also help prevent infestations. How to get rid of cluster flies Cluster flies can be removed from the home by vacuuming or trapping them. Chemical treatments can also be used as a last resort, but it's important to consult a professional, qualified pest controller such as PGM & Son Cluster Fly Control for advice and assistance. Frequently asked questions about cluster flies Where do cluster flies come from? Cluster flies originate from the ground in outdoor areas like fields, lawns, and gardens. Unlike typical house flies that breed in garbage or rotting food, cluster flies are parasites of earthworms. What are cluster flies? Cluster flies (Pollenia rudis) are a species of fly known for their habit of entering buildings in large numbers to hibernate during the winter. Unlike common house flies, they do not breed in garbage or carry diseases. Instead, they spend the summer outdoors, where their larvae live as parasites inside earthworms. What causes cluster flies? The primary cause of cluster flies in your home is their need for a warm, sheltered place to hibernate during the winter. Unlike other flies, they are not attracted to food waste or poor hygiene; instead, their presence is purely seasonal and environmental. Why do i have cluster flies? Finding cluster flies in your home is not a sign of poor hygiene or household decay; rather, it is a seasonal event caused by their search for a warm place to hibernate. Do cluster flies lay eggs in houses? No, cluster flies do not lay eggs in houses. While they can congregate in your home by the thousands, they are only there to hibernate (overwinter) and do not reproduce while indoors. If your question is not listed above then go to our FAQ page for more frequently asked questions about cluster flies. Professional Pest Control for Cluster Flies While there are many DIY control methods available, it is more appropriate to consult a professional pest control service. For example; if an infestation is severe, or if you are unable to locate the point of entry, a professional pest control company can be helpful. Pest Control companies have the experience and specialised equipment needed to effectively identify and eliminate cluster fly infestations. They may also be able to provide follow-up services to help you to minimise the risk of an infestation returning. It's important to note that there are also many companies that offer "green" or "organic" pest control options that are less harmful to the environment. That said, cluster flies do usually return to the same location year on year so even if you eliminate your cluster fly problem one year you are likely to experience an issue in future years. One way to resolve this is to engage a local professional pest control service to provide an annual cluster fly service for you. Summary Cluster flies can be a major nuisance for homeowners across Herefordshire and Worcestershire in particular, as this is a rural county and cluster flies are more prevalent in rural locations, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures they can be effectively controlled. Remember to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors and ensuring that screens are well maintained. With the right approach, you can keep your home free from cluster flies. Engaging early with PGM & Son pest control services can provide peace of mind that your cluster fly infestation will be handled quickly, efficiently, and safely. Integrated pest management is more than pesticides. You need to combine biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to deal with an infestation. Too often, we see botched DIY pest control attempts that result in even larger infestations. We’ve seen amateurs cause serious harm through the incorrect use of chemicals - not only to British wildlife and domestic pets but to themselves and their families.