Oklahoma is Being Invaded by Millions of Flies – Why?

If you haven't noticed the flies in the last few weeks, congrats. You're in the lucky fly-free pocket of Oklahoma. The rest of us are experiencing a fly apocalypse.

Now flies are part of the natural order of Spring in Oklahoma, but not to the current extent in most places. Sooner State towns, especially those with cattle and other livestock auction houses are generally used to the flies - looking at you Hollis - where they're just part of everyday life.

It's everywhere else that is experiencing a fly invasion out of the ordinary and wondering why.

Why are flies everywhere?

While many are quick to blame their local farmers and agriculture in general, that's not painting the most accurate picture. It has more to do with the weather we've had for the last seven months.

Since Winter '24 was so mild across Oklahoma - honestly, a week or two of really cold temps, then straight into the mild 60s and 70s - by the time the state got back on track with normal-ish average weather, the rain has made our part of the country a perfect breeding ground.

Maggots thrive in humid and moist places. It can be the muddy areas of a forest, a pile of grass clippings, the inside of your dirty trash can, landfills, etc... Like nature does, it creates life as fast as conditions allow.

We all know how the mosquitoes jumped out to a very early infestation, it's only natural the flies follow like they tend to do in years like this.

Is that all? Are flies the last of the wet spring plagues?

Nope. In years similar to this, when mosquitoes, crane flies, and regular flies are in abundance, nature tries to correct itself by also allowing spider populations to flourish as well.

Prepare for the spider infestation that's coming. With more flying food, the habitat can support equal growth for their eight-legged predators.

If you'd like to avoid having all of this inside your home, now is the time to do a once-over of your doors and windows. Make sure the weatherstripping is good. No drafts, no insects.

Try to empty water-holding containers around your yard too. You don't have to worry about planters and such, but even the kids' toys can hold enough water to add to your insect misery.

You can also apply something around your home to ward off insects - insecticides and the like - but it's always a curious step if you have pets and small children. While many work wonders, you'll want to read the labels yourself instead of trusting the opinions of the internet and social media.