Flies

Not only are flies a nuisance, but the majority of fly species pose a health risk. House flies transmit a wide range of diseases including salmonella, dysentery, tuberculosis and cholera. If a small fly problem is left uncontrolled, it has the potential to turn into a serious infestation.

Fly fact: Some fly species are able to mature from eggs to adults in just seven days.

How to spot the signs of a fly problem

Noticing a couple of flies in your house or your business may not mean you have a fly infestation. However, it should act as a warning sign to take some preventative action. The following signs indicate a more serious fly problem:

• Fly droppings - Fly droppings can be identified as small dark clusters of spots roughly the size of a pinhead. Look in light fittings, upper areas of the room and wall surfaces. Check areas that are difficult to clean thoroughly, such as drainage channels, drains and sub-floor cavities where the contents of broken drains may be accumulating. Gully traps, and the area around sinks and below damaged floor tiling should also be monitored.
• Regular sighting of flies - A large number of flies buzzing around refuse areas and the base of wheelie bins or other waste containers may indicate a more serious fly problem. Check anywhere that water pools, including in guttering, rainwater butts, tyres or old machinery. Waterlogged pot plants may also attract flies.
• Maggots - Maggots are flies in their larval stage and could indicate a potential breeding site on your property. You may discover maggots in unwashed rubbish bins, waste areas and deteriorating food.

Tips on how to get rid of flies

If you want to get rid of flies, there are some practical steps you can take to deter them. Some of these fly control methods are cost-free and require only your time to action. 

• Cover food: flies spread disease by landing on and contaminating food before we eat it. 
• Clear away: be sure to clear food and liquid spillages immediately and also take care to clean food debris from underneath kitchen appliances. 
• Dustbins / compost bins: keep compost enclosed and covered and make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealing lids. 
• Clean up after pets: your pet’s faeces the perfect breeding ground for flies, which then go on to land on your food and transmit disease. 
• Drains: ensure that your drains are kept clear and running. Treat drains that seem to contain flies with bleach, and ensure gutters and water gullies are not blocked. 
• Water butts: cover water butts with a lid and do not leave water standing around (e.g. in watering cans). 
• Ponds: if you have a pond, introduce goldfish to your pond to get rid of flies, as the fish will eating their larvae. 
• Deny flies access: keep windows and doors closed. 
• Flyscreens: fit fly screens to windows, especially around kitchen and waste areas. 

Even though a wide range of DIY fly control products are available to kill flies, an established fly infestation may require professional pest control to assist in getting rid of flies on your property.

Steps to take for professional fly control

Using a professional fly control service is the most effective way to guarantee the complete removal of flies from your business. 

Rentokil will take the following steps when implementing a fly control solution: 

• Once your appointment is confirmed, a Rentokil technician will survey your property. 
• A treatment solution suited to your needs will be recommended and implemented on your premises. 
• A few visits might be required depending on the level of infestation to ensure the fly problem is eradicated. 
• Our pest control expert will also provide you with housekeeping tips and best proofing methods in conjunction with the treatment offered. 
• If you would like further advice on how to get rid of flies or to arrange a visit by a Rentokil technician, contact us.