Why Are There So Many Flies in August? Understanding Peak Fly Season and How to Combat It

As summer reaches its peak, many residents and business owners in Alberta find themselves grappling with an unwelcome influx of flies. August is notorious for being one of the busiest months for fly activity, and understanding why this happens can help you take proactive steps to protect your home or business. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind the surge in fly populations and provide effective pest control strategies to keep your indoor spaces bug-free.

The Science Behind Fly Season

Flies thrive in warm weather, and as temperatures rise during the summer months, their breeding cycles accelerate. August, in particular, creates ideal conditions for various types of flies, including house flies, fruit flies, and cluster flies. House flies and fruit flies are attracted to food sources, organic waste, and moisture, making homes and commercial properties such as restaurants or food-processing facilities appealing targets. Cluster flies are looking for a place to spend the winter. The fact is that summer is the favourite season for a wide variety of pests, not just flies. Insects such as boxelder bugs, vine weevils, ladybugs, and crickets may also become more prevalent during this time. Understanding their habits can help you devise a comprehensive pest control strategy.

Common Types of Flies and Their Habitats

  • House Flies: Often found near decaying organic matter, house flies breed rapidly and can lay hundreds of eggs at a time. 
  • Fruit Flies: Attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables, rotting food, moist organic material, and alcohol, these small flies can invade kitchens and pantries.
  • Cluster Flies: These flies seek shelter in structures during late summer and early fall, often clustering in attics and around lights and windows.

Effective Fly Control Strategies

Though fly populations tend to increase in August, there are effective pest control measures you can try to prevent infestations. Some of them include:

1. Maintain Cleanliness

Keeping a place clean is the first line of defence against flies. Regularly dispose of food scraps, clean up spills promptly, clean and cover drink dispenser taps, and ensure that garbage bins are sealed tightly. Pay special attention to areas like kitchens and dining rooms where food is prepared and consumed.

2. Seal Entry Points

Flies can easily find their way indoors through small openings. Inspect windows, doors, and screens for any gaps or tears, and repair them to prevent flies from entering. Installing screens on windows and using door sweeps can also help keep these pests at bay.

3. Set Traps

Consider using fly traps and light traps to reduce the population in and around your home or business. Place them in areas where flies are frequently spotted, such as near windows, doors, and garbage areas.

4. Professional Pest Control

If you find that your fly problem persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to call in the professionals. Poulin’s Pest Control can assess your situation and provide targeted fly control solutions to eliminate infestations and prevent future occurrences.

Your Choice for Efficient Pest Control in Alberta

Having issues with a pest infestation in Alberta? We are here to help. Poulin’s Pest Control counts on a skilled team of professionals with the right tools to help you keep your home or business fly-free in August and throughout the year. We are committed to using environmentally friendly options tailored to control infestations without harming the environment or affecting your property’s safety. Give us a call and let us help you keep a clean and comfortable environment for your home or business. Reach out to us. 

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