Flies are one of the most commonly encountered pests in and around commercial facilities, especially in the summer months when pest pressure is on the rise. Aside from being a nuisance – who hasn’t spent part of a lunch or dinner taking a swipe or two at flies trying to share your entrée – these pests can spell trouble for food processing, healthcare and hospitality clients.
Flies present a significant public health threat to commercial accounts because of the harmful bacteria – E. coli and salmonella – they can transmit to food and food preparation, storage and cooking surfaces.
And as summer’s warmer temperatures push thermometer readings up, the rate of decomposition of the food sources flies like to feast on increases. From fresh produce to garbage, compost and animal feces, the quicker it spoils, breaks down and starts to smell, the more flies love it.
Fly infestations are usually the result of open doors to the facility and broken or torn screens on windows, doors and air vents. Look at the areas around these openings for items that are attracting flies and other pests in the first place.
Having done battle with flies in an array of accounts, the Sprague Pest Experts have learned the key to eliminating flies comes down to employing good sanitation practices and identifying the source of the infestation and breeding locations.
The Fly Management Checklist
→ Keep It Clean
Good sanitation practices in and around your facility are critical to keeping flies from gaining a foothold. When you consider a single garbage can that is not emptied can be a breeding ground for thousands of flies, you’ll think twice about waiting to take out the trash.
The Sprague Pest Experts recommend using tight-fitting closures for garbage and recycling receptacles, and to empty, clean, and dry them on regular basis. Also keep food preparation, storage and serving areas clean of grease spills, crumbs and other food particles. Trash bins and dumpsters should never be placed near the building but at least 50 feet away from potential entry points (i.e. doors, windows, etc.)
→ Fly Identification
Correctly identifying the fly species infesting your facility is the first step to gaining the upper hand. A correct identification allows you to determine the cause of the infestation and select a control option; an incorrect identification can lead you on a wild goose chase wasting valuable time and resources. The Sprague Pest Experts will make the correct identification and then design a treatment plan specific to the fly specie involved.
→ Getting Rid of Flies
Once you have identified the type of fly you are dealing with and the source of the infestation, then it is time to get rid of them. Exterior fly traps and treatments will prevent flies from entering a structure, and checking air intake vents for proper screening and using air curtains above doors will further protect your facility from these unwanted visitors. The Sprague Pest Experts also recommend bioremediation treatments to eat away at decaying debris that builds up in drains, grout lines and other areas and attracts flies.