Swarms of Flies Bugging the Upstate? Here’s Why They’re Everywhere Right Now

If you’ve been swatting more than usual lately, you’re not alone. Residents across the Upstate are noticing a sharp increase in flies—indoors and out. From pesky house flies and gnats to buzzing clouds of midges near water, it’s a nuisance that seems to have taken over just as summer hit its stride.

So, what’s behind the fly invasion?

According to entomologists and local pest control professionals, a combination of weather and environmental conditions has created the perfect storm for flies this season.

Warm Weather + High Humidity = Ideal Breeding Conditions

Flies thrive in warm, moist environments, and South Carolina’s summer heat coupled with high humidity levels is giving them exactly what they need to multiply rapidly. The heat speeds up their life cycle, allowing them to reproduce faster and emerge in greater numbers.

A Mild Winter Gave Flies a Head Start

This past winter in South Carolina was mild and wet—conditions that allow more insects to survive through the season. Many flies find shelter in homes, compost piles, or under leaves and debris. Come spring and early summer, they emerge in full force, having already established a head start on breeding.

Plenty of Breeding Grounds Close to Home

Flies lay their eggs in moist, decaying organic matter—think compost piles, damp soil, animal waste, or overflowing trash bins. Add recent rainstorms followed by sunny days, and you have the perfect recipe for fly larvae to hatch and grow quickly.

More Than One Culprit

The surge isn’t limited to just one species. Residents may be dealing with:

• House flies, common around homes, food waste, and pet areas.

• Drain and fruit flies, especially indoors near sinks, garbage disposals, and overripe produce.

• Gnats and midges, often swarming in the early morning or late evening near standing water or damp areas.

• Crane flies, which look like giant mosquitoes but are harmless and drawn to light and moisture.

What Can You Do?

While flies are part of the ecosystem, you can take steps to reduce their presence around your home:

• Eliminate standing water in buckets, gutters, and birdbaths.

• Seal garbage bins tightly and remove trash regularly.

• Clean up spills and food waste quickly, indoors and outdoors.

• Keep doors and windows closed or use screens in good repair.

• Use natural repellents like basil, eucalyptus, and peppermint indoors.

• Switch to yellow “bug lights” outdoors to attract fewer insects.

If swarms persist despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a local pest control professional for a targeted solution.

For now, keep the fly swatter handy—and know you’re not alone in the battle against the bugs of summer.