Rain can be a welcome respite, but it often brings changes to the insect world around us. You might notice fewer flying insects during a downpour, leading you to wonder: Where Do Flies Go In The Rain? Just like us, flies seek shelter from the storm. Understanding their behavior during rainy weather can offer insights into how to manage these common household pests, especially around your home.
The Impact of Rain on Flies
For many flying insects, including common house flies, rain presents a significant challenge. A fly’s delicate wings are crucial for flight, and raindrops can be surprisingly heavy in relation to their small size. Imagine trying to navigate through a barrage of water droplets that are many times your own weight. This is essentially what flies face in a rainstorm. The force of raindrops can damage their wings and make flight not only difficult but also dangerous. Additionally, wet wings become heavy wings, hindering their ability to stay airborne.
Fly Shelters: Finding Refuge from the Downpour
When rain starts, flies instinctively look for cover to protect themselves. Their small size allows them to utilize a variety of surprising shelters. Outdoors, you’ll often find flies:
- Underneath Leaves: Large leaves of trees and bushes provide excellent natural umbrellas. Flies will often congregate on the undersides of leaves, shielded from the direct impact of rain.
- Within Tree Bark and Knotholes: The crevices and irregularities of tree bark, as well as natural holes in trees, offer dry and protected spaces.
- Under Rooflines and Eaves: The overhang of your house’s roof creates a zone of reduced rainfall. Flies, along with many other insects, will gather in these areas.
- Window Frames and Sills: The small ledges and corners around windows provide just enough shelter for flies to wait out a shower.
These outdoor shelters are temporary havens, allowing flies to survive the rain and resume their activities once the weather clears.
Flies Seeking Indoor Shelter
Sometimes, the quest for shelter leads flies indoors. Just as ground-dwelling insects like ants and roaches might seek refuge in your home during heavy rain, flies can also find their way inside. Open doors, windows, and even small cracks and crevices can become entry points. Once inside, flies may be found in various locations:
- Garages and Sheds: These outbuildings often have gaps and openings and can provide quick shelter.
- Porches and Patios (if covered): Covered outdoor areas offer some protection from the rain while still being relatively accessible.
- Inside Homes: Flies may venture further into your house, particularly if they find attractants like food sources. They might be seen near windows, in kitchens, or in other areas where they can find food or warmth.
Keeping Flies Out During Rainy Weather
While it’s natural for flies to seek shelter, you might not want them seeking refuge inside your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize flies entering your house during rainy periods:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and other potential entry points.
- Maintain Screens: Ensure window and door screens are in good repair and properly fitted to prevent flies from easily getting inside when you open windows for fresh air after the rain.
- Proper Food Storage: Flies are attracted to food sources. Store food properly in sealed containers and clean up spills and crumbs promptly, especially in kitchens and dining areas.
- Garbage Management: Keep garbage bins clean and covered, both indoors and outdoors. Flies are drawn to decaying organic matter.
By understanding where flies go in the rain and taking preventative measures, you can reduce the likelihood of these pests becoming unwanted houseguests during and after wet weather.
