Houseflies-- every late Sept. to early Oct our 18th floor, West
exposure apartment swarms with houseflies in the window (9 ft
from floor). We remove approx. 20-30/day with a vacuum cleaner.
The drapes are new, the house is clean. There is no food/liquid
where Why are they coming? (How, other than screening the
apartment, do I discourage them?) The temp. is higher than 25 C
long before this becomes a problem. I live in Vanc. BC. Please
advise. Dometicus horribilus will hatch in the remains of almost
any organic matter that will allow their sustenance. They bloom
during periods of warmth after stretches of cold. You must check
any area they can breed. This includes houseplant soil and and
cracks in woodwork, especially where water might be available.
Over the short term, once any habitat or potential food are
removed, the flies will quickly cease to live in the area. Click
here to return to the Zoology Archives Update: June 2012