Flies can be a nuisance, but they can also be a public health threat if left unchecked. There are more than 110,000 different fly species found all over the world including blow flies, cluster flies, moth flies, fruit flies, house flies and more. While a couple of flies may not seem like a big deal at first, they are prolific breeders, so it won't take long for a couple of flies to turn into thousands. Since flies are known to carry pathogens that may cause many serious diseases, getting them under control should be a top priority for your business. Here's how a fly infestation can impact your business—and what you can do about it.
Signs of a fly infestation
Flies are often attracted to light, food odors, and rotting organic matter. The first step in tackling a fly infestation is understanding what causes fly infestations and recognizing that you need to act. Here are some of the most obvious signs that flies in your business have become a large enough problem to call in a professional:
- Active flies around trash receptacles, dumpsters, and recycling bins
- Dead flies on window sills and in corners, and/or in drains and grease traps
- Flies in kitchens, dining areas, break rooms, dish washing areas, bars, and receiving areas
- Flies near unsealed or improperly stored food
- Areas of opportunity for flies to enter the building Areas that could use increased sanitation efforts to eliminate fly development sites
- Learn more about how our Commercial Fly Control services can keep flies out of your business.
The consequences of a fly infestation
Flies can be a problem for any type of business from retail and food services to healthcare and hospitality. Here's how a fly infestation can impact your business:
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Bother customers and/or employees
It's no secret that having flies buzzing around your head while you're trying to work can be annoying and distracting. For food service and hospitality businesses especially, customers will think twice about coming back if they notice a fly infestation, which can seriously affect your bottom line over time.
Related: Why Small Businesses Need Pest Control
Flies carry pathogens that may cause disease
Flies have a reputation for being unsanitary, so a fly infestation can call into question the cleanliness of your business. This reputation is far from unfounded. According to the World Health Organization, flies are known to carry pathogens that may cause serious diseases and they can easily spread bacteria wherever they land.
Infestations grow out of control quickly
Since a single female fly lays hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, a small fly infestation can grow rapidly and quickly get out of control. Some flies increase in the summer months which can create specific challenges for seasonal businesses. That's why it's essential to be on alert for warning signs of a fly infestation and tackle it as soon as possible.
Contaminate food and packaging materials
Flies can be especially damaging to businesses that process and handle food. If a government inspection uncovers a fly infestation that isn't being treated, you could face fines and possible business closures which will lead to disruptions to your operations, productivity, and service.
What to do about a fly infestation
Whether you have a serious fly infestation, want to tackle a small fly problem before it grows, or you want to do everything you can to prevent flies from infesting your business, a commercial pest control company like Terminix Commercial can help. With years of experience tackling fly infestations large and small, we can identify the type of fly, locate breeding sites, and determine the most effective treatment strategies.
Found flies in your business? Call us at 877.837.6464 to book a service or request a free estimate.
