Flies are an ever-present threat in the restaurant industry. As a manager, you’ve probably experienced how difficult it can be to keep these pests from disrupting your guest experience. But did you know that flies can also spread harmful pathogens that compromise the safety of your food? What’s more, an infestation could create unforeseen liabilities and cost you major points on your next health inspection.

 

 

That’s why it’s important to take steps to keep flies out of your building and away from your food, starting with the greatest food source of all: your kitchen. The best thing you can do to keep flies out of this food preparation area is to apply a proven fly management program comprised of monitoring, sanitation, and exclusion techniques.

 

Here are a few recommendations:

 

1. Regularly inspect potential fly attractant locations, like grease traps and garbage collection areas outside the kitchen

Remove any wet garbage as often as possible and clean refuse areas frequently. Outdoor compactors sometimes leak, and buildups of fluids under compactors can create major breeding spots for flies. Additionally, recycled cans and bottles can be fruit fly breeding sources, so drain these materials prior to putting them into bins, and place them upside down to prevent further draining. You should also clean inside bins frequently (at least each time they’re emptied).

 

2. Carefully check for fly larvae and pupae on all food, packaging, and related materials as they’re unloaded from trucks

Fly eggs are often difficult to see, but larvae, pupae, and adults should be easily noted.

 

3. Rotate your produce stock regularly to ensure it stays fresh and doesn’t accumulate moisture, which maggots need to thrive

 

4. Train employees to keep kitchen doors closed

Training your employees to close kitchen doors is especially important at night since lights around a door can attract flying insects. Any door left propped open is a welcome invitation to hungry flies.

 

5. Since some types of flies are attracted to moisture, be sure to inspect floor drains and drain lines for any leaks

You can use drain scopes to check for pipe cracks, and repairing these pipes can help stop flies from living and breeding there.

 

6. Install light traps with glue boards to monitor for fly activity

Electronic Fly Killers use a unique technology to hygienically and effectively capture and kill flying insects. These fly killers are suitable for a range of internal environments and a wide variety of businesses with specific requirements for highly effective fly control.

The type and number of flies caught in the traps will help you determine where they’re coming from and how to best stop them.

 

7. Know when to call a pro.

Flies can be a symptom of a bigger problem. If you have them frequently or they seem to be multiplying, call a pest control professional. They can help you identify an unknown food source (like a dead animal in the wall — it’s not uncommon!) or a point of entry you may have overlooked

Contact us on 0759292158, 013055943, 0742448334, 0756432285, or drop an email to to talk to a team of pest experts.