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These 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. 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.
REMEDY: Cluster flies can often most easily be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Aerosol flykillers deal with smaller numbers. Pest control contractors may use insecticidal fogs or smoke generators to clear heavy infestations. Unless dealt with properly they will return year after year.
