A quick guide on how to get rid of different types of flies in a restaurant

 

Responsible for transmitting various diseases, flies are a common pest that needs to be dealt with often. Capable of contaminating food through pathogens, flies are especially dangerous to the restaurant business. Not only can they ruin a restaurant’s reputation, but the possibility of transferring a deadly pathogen is high. Whether you have drain flies, fruit flies, or house flies, this guide will be providing steps and preventative measures to keep these flies away for good!

Drain Flies

Drain flies are small flies that are generally black or brown in color. They are about 1/8^th inch in size and have a unique vein pattern on their wings. True to their name, drain flies are commonly found infesting drains. Although they prefer to breed in drains, they can also be found in septic tanks, sewers, and soil that has been contaminated with sewage.

How to get rid of drain flies?

• Eliminate the root source:

Since drains are the primary location in which these flies are found, it is important that all drains are thoroughly and regularly cleaned.

• • Clean the drain with a pipe brush, then pour down a pot of boiling water.
  • Next, add 1 cup vinegar and ½ baking soda and let it sit for 1 hour.
  • Pour down a pot of boiling water again to rinse the solution.
  • If vinegar is not available, you can also pour a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water down the drain.
  • You can also use drain solutions sold at your nearby home improvement stores to get a similar result. Make sure to follow instructions that are listed on the product closely.
• Form a habit:
  • We suggest continuing the drain solution steps several times a month to help prevent drain flies from coming back.

Fruit Flies

A fruit fly’s most common feature is its bright red eyes. Their color is generally light yellow to tan, and they are considered a relatively small fly. About 1/3 the size of a housefly, the fruit fly is 1/8^th inch in length, including their wings. Additionally, fruit flies are found most commonly around fruits, vegetables, and any other moist organic matter.

How to get rid of fruit flies?

• Eliminate the root source
  • Trash bins: Dispose of trash frequently and do not allow trash to sit overnight. Also, rinse out bins if any leaks or spills have occurred. This prevents fruit flies from laying their eggs in the waste and multiplying quickly.
  • Sinks: Keep sinks dry to prevent fruit flies from having access to water. This limits their liquid intake and keeps them from laying eggs.
  • Drains: Drains offer fruit flies water, food, and a safe place to breed. Every night before shutting down, make sure to rinse drains with either a sanitizer or a bleach solution previously mentions. Other store-bought products can also be used to eliminate fruit flies.
  • Bar matts: Bar matts collect a plethora of organic material over the course of a day. Frequently hand wash them with warm, soapy water to ensure all materials are removed.
  • Cover bottles: Cover all pour spouts on liquor bottles to prevent fruit flies from entering the bottles and contaminating the contents.
• Form a habit:
  • Encourage all employees to form a habit of keeping the drains, sinks, bar matts, trash bins, and bottles cleaned. Frequently cleaning these items will keep fruit flies away.

Common House Flies

The common house fly is a relatively larger fly compared to other flies seen within the home. Roughly 5-8mm in length, this fly is black in color with a buff or yellow abdomen. They are attracted to all types of organic material, including food, food waster, and feces. Due to this, they are found hovering near just about any location.

How to get rid of house flies?

Since house flies are attracted to essentially any and all organic matter, it is essential that restaurants keep all areas clean. This can be accomplished by doing the following:

• Eliminate the root source
  • Employees should ensure that the kitchen’s trash pails, drains, and drain traps are cleaned
  • All counter spaces and chopping blocks should be wiped down frequently throughout the day.
  • Staff should keep the kitchen’s doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent flies from entering. Screens can also be incorporated on windows or doors to help.
• Form a habit:
  • Employees should be encouraged to form a habit of consistently cleaning the kitchen in the areas mentioned above. Not only will this help to remove the flies, but it will also help to prevent any house flies from coming back.

Consult with your pest control service

As bearers of numerous germs and diseases, fly infestations pose serious health risks. Unfortunately, since flies tend to feed on various types of organic waste, restaurants offer the perfect conditions to attract flies. From fruit flies to house flies, it is important that restaurants take preventative measures to keep flies at bay.

 

Interested in removing a fly infestation from your restaurant? Contact The Bug Master today to help with all your pest control needs.