Flies seek shelter when it rains to avoid getting wet and being swept away by raindrops. They have several strategies for finding cover during rain showers:
Under leaves and branches
Flies will often hide under leaves, branches, and foliage when it starts to rain. Leaves provide protection from the raindrops and keep flies dry. Areas with dense vegetation like forests and bushes are ideal hiding spots.
Inside houses and buildings
Flies will fly inside houses, barns, garages, and other structures to escape the rain. They are attracted to warm, dry areas where they can wait out the storm. Flies gather on walls, windows, and ceilings in large groups when seeking indoor shelter.
Under rocks and logs
Cracks and crevices under rocks, fallen logs, and debris provide good cover from rain. Flies crawl down into these protected areas to stay dry during showers. Rock overhangs and clusters of boulders are common natural rain shelters used by flies.
Burrows and holes
Some flies hide in burrows or holes during rain storms. They may enter holes made by rodents, root structures, or gaps in the ground. These underground spaces allow flies to avoid exposure to precipitation above ground.
Barns and stables
Flies swarm into barns, stables, and other livestock shelters when it rains. They gather in corners and rafters where they are protected. The presence of manure and animals attracts flies to these structures during rain.
Caves and hollow logs
For flies living near forests and rocky areas, caves and hollow logs provide refuge from the rain. These enclosed spaces shelter flies and contain warm, humid air that allows them to survive rains for extended periods.
Under vehicles and equipment
In urban and suburban settings, flies hide under cars, tractors, grills, and yard equipment to stay dry in the rain. Engines and covered spaces underneath vehicles provide temporary shelter.
Porches and patios
Overhanging roofs on porches, gazebos, and patios provide cover for flies when it rains. They gather in corners and under furniture away from dripping water.
Inside trash cans and bins
Flies often live and breed inside trash receptacles and will hide out there when it rains. The food waste attracts them, and cans provide protection.
Under eaves and awnings
Building overhangs like eaves and awnings create dry areas where flies congregate during rain. They cling to walls and gather in clusters just inside the drip line.
Under bridges and piers
Bridges, piers, docks, and other structures over water give flies shelter underneath during rain. The enclosed space underneath stays dry, allowing flies to wait out the shower.
Inside drains and manholes
Sewers, drains, and manholes contain many flies when it’s not raining. During rain, even more flies descend into these protected areas below ground.
Underneath playground equipment
Flies hide underneath park slides, jungle gyms, and playsets when it rains. These structures provide cover and dry spaces for flies to gather in groups.
Conclusion
In summary, flies have a wide range of shelter options when it starts raining. They seek protected areas under leaves, rocks, vehicles, buildings, structures and debris. Any dry, enclosed space works to provide cover from rainfall. Flies congregate in large groups when taking rain shelter in barns, drains, caves, and other hiding spots. Understanding where flies hide from rain can help manage populations and prevent infestations in human dwellings and structures when the weather drives them inside.
