Commonly seen around decaying organic matter, waste, and unsanitary areas, filth flies are a group of flying insects that include houseflies, blowflies, and flesh flies. These pests are well-known for their role in spreading diseases as they feed and breed on rotting food, feces, and decomposing materials. Their presence poses both a nuisance and a significant health hazard, making effective prevention and control measures by a professional fly exterminator essential for maintaining a sanitary and protected environment.
How to Prevent Filth Fly Issues
Flith flies generally hatch and mature outside before infiltrating indoor spaces. Prevent their entry by minimizing outdoor breeding areas and applying exclusion techniques. To effectively keep flies out, consider these suggestions:
- Screens: Ensure windows and vents have tight-fitting screens installed and are properly maintained.
- Exterior Doors: Close all exterior doors when not being used and confirm they are sealed tightly with no gaps or missing seals.
- Garbage Chutes: Always keep garbage chute doors shut when not in use. Chutes should be tightly connected to dumpsters and free from any exterior openings.
- Self-Closing Doors: Inspect the timing mechanisms on self-closing doors. Ensure that, when closed, these doors do not have any gaps allowing flies to enter. One common issue with public entryway doors is the astragal seal at the base where double doors meet. Flies can easily pass through this gap as they would through an open door. Pest-proofing seals are available for the astragal seal.
- Trash Containers: Choose trash containers with self-closing lids. These can help control odors that attract flies and stop flies from entering your home. Empty all containers regularly to maintain cleanliness.
Should You Be Concerned About Filth Flies?
Filth flies thrive in unclean environments and are well-known for spreading numerous diseases, including Salmonella, a food-borne illness. Houseflies, in particular, carry over 100 different diseases. They reproduce in contaminated areas such as manure and garbage, transferring pathogens to our food.
Summer marks the peak of filth fly activity, as warm temperatures create perfect conditions for rapid population growth. With ideal temperatures and abundant food sources, filth flies can complete their life cycle from egg to adult within seven days. Each female filth fly can generate hundreds of offspring, and a housefly can lay up to 500 eggs during its lifetime. This combination of factors results in a significant rise in fly numbers by the end of summer.
Sanitation Methods to Reduce Filth Flies
To further reduce filth flies, maintain a sanitary environment around your business. Here are some sanitation methods we recommend:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean surfaces, and floors, especially in kitchens and dining areas to eliminate food residues.
- Trash Management: Use tightly sealed trash cans and make sure to empty them frequently to block fly access to waste. Regularly wash trash bins to remove residues and odors that attract flies. Clean around and under dumpsters regularly.
- Drain and Moisture Control: Maintain clean drains free of debris, and utilize drain covers to block fly entry. Repair leaks and remove stagnant water sources to minimize breeding grounds.
Fly Control Services You Can Trust
During summer, businesses commonly face issues with filth flies including houseflies, blowflies, and flesh flies. While preventive methods can work effectively, professional fly control is often necessary once an infestation emerges. Acting promptly not only helps contain the problem but also maintains a safer and more comfortable environment for your customers and employees.
Are flies causing problems on your property? Contact RK Environmental Services today for a free estimate.
