Hello,

Flies can exhibit fascinating flight behaviors, and your observation of them flying in a specific diameter under your awning is intriguing! While I don’t have specific information about this exact behavior, I can share some general insights about flies and their flight patterns.

Aerodynamics of Flies:

Flies, including fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), are remarkable in their agility and rapid maneuvers. They can execute 90-degree turns (called saccades) in less than 50-thousandths of a second—faster than the blink of a human eye.

More information at this link:

New Insight Into How Flies Fly - This is Caltech

To make such turns, flies generate torque (twisting force) using their wings. Surprisingly, it’s not friction but inertia that they overcome during these maneuvers.

The fly’s small size and slow speed relative to other animals don’t hinder its ability to perform banked turns, similar to larger fly species. It accelerates, slows, and then accelerates again during the turn.

Possible Explanations for Your Observation:

While I can’t pinpoint the exact reason for the circular flight pattern under your awning, here are some possibilities:

Visual Cues: Flies might be responding to specific visual cues in that area, such as light patterns, shadows, or reflections.

Odor or Attraction: Flies are attracted to certain scents (like vinegar) or food sources. If there’s something appealing in that spot, they may repeatedly visit it.

Microclimate: The microclimate (temperature, humidity, air currents) under your awning could be conducive to fly activity.

Previous Behavior: Once flies establish a flight pattern, they tend to stick with it due to habit or memory.

Control Measures:

Since you’ve tried fly strips without success, consider other approaches:

Sanitation: Eliminate potential breeding sites by keeping the area clean and removing any organic matter (e.g., food scraps).

Seal Cracks: Check for gaps or openings where flies might enter and seal them.

Natural Repellents: Use natural repellents like mint, basil, or essential oils (e.g., citronella) to discourage flies.

Professional Pest Control: If the issue persists, consult a pest control professional for targeted solutions.

Remember that each fly species may have unique behaviors, so identifying the specific type of fly you’re dealing with can provide more tailored insights.

I hope this helps!