Where do flies go in the winter?

Answer 1

Flies have a hibernation-like state called 'diapause'.

Cluster and face flies are found in homes, churches, hospitals, apartment complexes, commercial and public buildings and other structures. These large, sluggish flies, sometimes called "attic flies," appear on warm, sunny days during late autumn, winter and early spring. They occur in large numbers, especially at windows and in rooms not frequently used. They make irritating, buzzing noises, spin around and move sluggishly. When crushed, they leave a greasy spot on upholstery, carpets and wood surfaces. Cluster flies in hospitals may carry infectious bacteria on their bodies. They do not bite humans nor feed on structures or furnishings. Buildings or houses located on an exposed hill top are attractive sites.

Adult cluster flies resemble house flies, but are slightly larger, about 5/16 inch long, narrower and nonmetallic gray. When at rest, they overlap their wings at the tips, whereas the house fly does not. Also, the thorax is without distinct stripes, contains many short, yellow-golden hairs, and the dark gray abdomen is hairy with light and dark patches of color. When crushed, the cluster fly has an odor resembling "buckwheat honey."

Adult face flies are similar in appearance to house flies except for being larger and darker. Male face flies have large, compound eyes that nearly touch on top of the head, whereas house flies do not. Female face flies have a silvery stripe around the eyes in contrast to the golden-like stripe of the house fly. The face fly has a slate-gray thorax.

Female cluster flies lay eggs singly in soil cracks and crevices in the vicinity of the earthworm, Allolobophthora spp. Eggs hatch in three days and the larvae (parasitic stage) penetrate and develop in the bodies of earthworms. This larval stage lasts 13 to 22 days, and the pupal stage, 11 to 14. The life cycle is completed in 27 to 39 days. There are about four generations during the summer. Populations vary from year to year, sometimes worse after wet summers.

Adult cluster flies move to protected places to hibernate (overwinter) when the days shorten in mid-August. Flies cluster on the warm sides of buildings in late summer during the day. As the sun goes down and temperatures cool, flies crawl into the building through cracks, especially under eaves, gaps in siding, etc. Large numbers may group together (cluster) in attics, unused rooms, wall voids, basements, tree holes and other darkened sites. They are attracted to light, light-colored siding and structures on lawns and pastures inhabited by earthworms. They enter rooms through sash-cord openings, cracks in windowsills or baseboards, loose-fitting vinyl or aluminum siding, and other small openings. They become active whenever temperatures rise above 54 degrees F indoors from early autumn to mid-spring, especially around windows with sunlight.

Cluster flies do not breed in buildings but leave hibernation sites in the spring (they often swarm onto windows on warm sunny days) to return outdoors for reproduction activity. Just as they become a nuisance in the fall while seeking hibernating quarters, they are also bothersome in the spring, trying to escape.

Face flies are serious pests of cattle and horses. They often overwinter in homes and other structures near pastures where these animals are kept. Eggs and larvae develop in fresh cattle dung (not when it is crushed over). During the summer, adults annoy the faces of cattle and horses, where they lap exudation from the eyes, nostrils and mouth. The larval stage lasts three to ten days, while the entire life cycle requires 14 to 18 days.

Initiate control tactics before flies enter buildings in large numbers. (Work should be done in midsummer.) Control cannot be permanent until the openings through which these flies enter the home are closed. Both cluster and face flies, which normally live outdoors, are difficult to control after they have gained entrance into homes and other structures. They often hibernate in wall voids and other inaccessible places. It is important to prevent fly entry by using caulking compound or other suitable material to fill all cracks and openings near windows, doors, electrical outlets, switchboxes, vents, etc., especially on the south side of the buildings, where these flies most commonly enter. Seal holes, cracks and splits in siding, especially up under eave troughs and along the roof. Maintain the house in good physical condition with adequate screening and use of yellow, non-attractive insect lights. Use screen ventilators, louvers, air-conditioners, etc., with copper, bronze or aluminum screens rather than wire screens to prevent rust. For temporary indoor relief, dead, dying or sluggish flies can be picked up with a strong suction vacuum cleaner, shop-vac or broom and dustpan and discarded. A few flies can be dispatched with a fly swatter or folded newspaper. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2110.html This is the link the answer was gathered.

Answer 2

Flies typically seek shelter in warm places like inside buildings, hollow trees, or underground during the winter months. Some species may hibernate or slow down their activity to conserve energy until warmer weather returns.

Answer 3

Yes, Doves do hibernate for a period of sevan weeks over the winter, usually starting in mid december. Usually, groups of twelve hibernate together, enjoying the closeness and company of other around them, comfoting their sleep. They gather twigs, feathers, and berries for the long haul through the troublesome winter. Hope i have been of invaluable help to you query, if you have any qualms about my answer, i would be MORE than willing to solve them for you good self. Much love, Barry Armstrong x

Answer 4

Mourning doves do not migrate.

Answer 5

doves migrate in the winter