Oh, the joys of a warm summer day! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the flies... well, they're absolutely everywhere.

As if summoned by an unseen force, these little winged buggers seem to appear out of thin air.

But where the hell do these blighters go when the days grow colder, and the first frost of winter nips at your nose?

We asked a Fly nerd to give us the lowdown on these critters and uncover the seasonal shenanigans of the fly kingdom - we just keep on giving don’t we.

The Buzz About Warm Days

During the warmer months, flies become more active and abundant. But why? The answer lies in their biology. Flies, being cold-blooded creatures, rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This means that as temperatures rise, they become more active, and their metabolism speeds up. The increased heat provides the perfect environment for them to reproduce, leading to a population boom.

In addition to the balmy weather, the abundance of food available during the warmer months is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for our buzzing buddies. From juicy fruits to decomposing animal carcasses, flies have a smorgasbord of options to satisfy their voracious appetites. But all good things must come to an end, and as the temperatures drop, so do the fly populations.

Winter Hideaways: Flies Get Cozy Too

So, where do these pesky pests go when winter arrives? The answer may surprise you. Flies have their own version of hibernation, known as diapause. During diapause, a fly's metabolism slows down, and it enters a state of suspended animation. This allows them to conserve energy and survive the harsh winter months.

Flies can be quite resourceful when it comes to finding a cozy winter hideaway. Some species, such as the cluster fly, seek refuge in attics, basements, and wall cavities of our homes. Others, like the common housefly, prefer to snuggle up in more natural surroundings like tree bark crevices, leaf litter, or under rocks. These little buggers are the masters of hide-and-seek, patiently waiting for warmer temperatures to return.

The Great Fly Awakening

As winter turns to spring and temperatures rise, flies begin to emerge from their hibernation havens. They're hungry, they're well-rested, and they're ready to get back to the business of buzzing around and bothering us all. The warmer days signal to them that it's time to find food, reproduce, and enjoy those lazy, hazy days of summer once again.

The next time you're swatting at a pesky fly on a warm day, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating biology and adaptive capabilities of these tiny creatures. While they may be annoying, they are also survivors, expertly navigating the seasonal changes of our planet. So, as you bask in the warmth of a beautiful summer day, remember that you're not the only one enjoying it—the flies are having a grand old time too! And when winter rolls around again, you can take comfort in knowing that they're tucked away in their cozy hideaways, just like the rest of us.