Do Flies Hibernate in Winter?
by John Saenz | January 25, 2025 | Blog
Have you ever wondered what happens to flies during winter? While these pesky insects are a common nuisance in warmer months, they seem to disappear when temperatures drop. Do they hibernate, migrate, or simply die off? Understanding flies’ winter survival strategies can help you better prepare your home and prevent infestations, even during colder seasons.
Flies and Seasonal Survival
Flies are cold-blooded insects, meaning their activity is heavily influenced by environmental temperatures. When winter arrives, many flies enter a state called diapause, a period of dormancy that helps them conserve energy and survive the harsh conditions. This is often mistaken for hibernation, but diapause is specifically triggered by environmental cues like shorter daylight hours and lower temperatures.
Not all flies survive winter the same way. Common species like house flies and fruit flies may overwinter in different stages of their life cycle. Some survive as adults, hiding in warm, sheltered spots, while others endure the cold as larvae or pupae, waiting for spring to emerge.
How Flies Survive Winter
Adaptations to Cold Climates
Flies have developed remarkable adaptations to endure winter. Many enter diapause, slowing their metabolism and reducing activity to conserve energy. This allows them to survive for months without food. Certain species, such as cluster flies, may even migrate to warmer areas within homes or other structures.
Hiding Spots for Flies
Flies are experts at finding shelter to escape freezing temperatures. Indoors, they often hide in cracks, attics, basements, or other warm spaces. Outdoor flies may seek shelter in tree bark, under debris, or inside animal burrows. These hiding spots provide the warmth and protection flies need to outlast the winter.
Common Myths About Flies in Winter
A popular misconception is that flies completely die off during winter. While colder weather does kill many flies, especially those left outside without adequate shelter, a significant number survive in dormant stages. Similarly, some believe flies migrate great distances to escape the cold, but most species stay relatively close to their original habitat, relying on diapause and shelter for survival.
Another myth is that flies are gone for good in winter, only to “reappear” in spring. In reality, many flies have been hiding in your home all along, waiting for warmer temperatures to become active again.
Preventing Flies in Winter
Why Flies Seek Shelter in Homes
As temperatures drop, flies are naturally drawn to warm environments. Homes offer an ideal combination of warmth, food sources, and safety from predators, making them an attractive winter refuge. If flies find a way inside, they can remain dormant until conditions improve, leading to sudden infestations when spring arrives.
Tips to Keep Flies Out
Preventing flies from entering your home in winter requires a few proactive steps:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes, particularly around doors, windows, and vents. Seal these areas to block flies from entering.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Store food in sealed containers, take out trash regularly, and clean up crumbs and spills to eliminate potential food sources.
- Use Fly Traps: Set up traps or sticky tape in areas where flies are likely to hide, such as basements, attics, or garages.
- Repair Screens and Doors: Ensure that all window screens and door seals are intact to prevent flies from sneaking indoors.
- Professional Pest Control: If you suspect a fly infestation, contact a pest control professional to inspect your home and implement targeted treatments.
Conclusion
Flies have evolved unique strategies to survive winter, including entering diapause, finding sheltered spots, and sometimes overwintering inside homes. While they may seem to disappear, many are simply waiting for spring to return. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and using preventive measures, you can minimize the chances of sharing your warm home with these unwanted guests.
Getting Help with Flies and Other Pests
Now that you know how flies survive winter, how will you keep them out this season? Taking action today can ensure a more comfortable, pest-free home year-round. If you are having problems with flies in your home, or are just trying to get ahead of a problem with this or other pest control, give Pest Control Experts a call for a FREE QUOTE and home Inspection and take your first step for a pest-free home now!
