Plague of bluebottles/houseflies?

[di1411]

Is anyone else suffering from these at the moment? Husband says it's just a few flies, but we've disposed of 21 of the blighters this afternoon and they're really big! We're in Lancashire, if that's relevant.

I notice that someone posted a similar question 3 years ago, but there was never a clear explanation.

[emmaingham]

I'm in Lancashire too and had the same problem about a month ago. Also had it happen about 8 years ago too.

Think it may be an egg laying thing in a wooden window frame I have at the back of the house. Walked in one day and the house was full of them. Soon went after a quick spray round.

Know not much of an answer but hope you realise you're not alone!!!

[di1411]

Thanks emmaingham, nice to know I'm not alone! I now need to look for the source, though your experience explains why they are all the same size and type. I'm spraying as I find them, but every time I clear a room, another one seems to be full of little visitors. Will stick with it.

[plowter]

If they're not metallic green or blue they're probably cluster flies.

Cluster flies (or attic flies) have golden-coloured hairs and are sluggish and slow moving. They gather inside houses (especially in rooms that aren't used very often) in late summer and although harmless can be a b*gger to get rid of. I recall reading that they've got smelly feet. This scent encourages other flies so they may return every year.

[Kleiber]

You haven't got a cat, have you? Just wondering in case puss has brought something in & left it somewhere (hidden, knowing cats!) to decompose. That would attract flies. I had a similar problem last year in one of my out-buildings and discovered a rat.... I won't go into further details!!