A fly infestation can quickly turn the perfect bar experience into a disastrous dinner date for any customer. Shoo away flies before they become the buzz around your restaurant by learning how to keep them out of your space – and out of your guests’ food – for good.
Got a Fly Infestation?
An isolated fly incident can quickly become a full-blown infestation if not dealt with immediately. Because flies reproduce at a rapid rate, it is important to spot fly activity before these pests invade your space. If you notice a cluster of flies near spilled sweets or unsealed liquids or notice clogged drains, which are fly breeding sites, your restaurant may have a fly infestation. The presence of maggots, larvae or additional pests like roaches or ants can also signal a potential fly presence.
Reputation Risks
In a world of online reviews and open records, a failed health inspection or bad online reputation can be detrimental to the success of your business. That’s why your pest management plan is such an important part of your business plan overall.
These common pests can not only scare a customer away but can prevent your bar or restaurant from passing its health inspection. Twice as filthy as cockroaches, flies are more than a nuisance to your business. These pests carry germs and disease-causing pathogens that they can transmit to humans each time they land on food or other surfaces. Keep your bar and reputation squeaky clean by preparing for your next audit and sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule.
Sanitation is Key
Keeping a dining space pest free can be difficult when your area does not have an effective pest management plan in place. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program can help deter these pests from invading your restaurant or bar. By eliminating conditions that are conducive to fly populations and improving sanitation and maintenance, you can ensure your bar and restaurant are one step closer to preventing a pest infestation.
Flies are known to feed on organic materials, including fruit, fresh herbs, buildup around drains and other organic waste. This means that restaurants and bars offer a plethora of food options to any hungry fly. Implementing a consistent facility maintenance schedule can keep your business in tip-top shape and discourage these pests from seeking out their next meal in your space.
When cleaning your facility, be sure to keep all food covered and sealed tightly. Cleaning up spills immediately can also eliminate access to potential food sources. Liquids on floors and other surfaces can leave sticky residue that draws flies to your bar. Make sure to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces to remove any food residue at the end of every shift and don’t forget to check areas underneath equipment for additional debris.
Ongoing Monitoring
Once flies have left the building, ongoing monitoring is needed to help prevent further fly activity in your business. Create a pest sighting log and encourage your employees to note any pest activity they see around the workplace. Keeping a detailed log can help your pest control professional pinpoint potential fly hotspots and create a pest management plan that is most effective for you.
Don’t let these pests ruin your guests’ next drink or meal. Talk to your pest management provider to learn more about common fly species and how you can help prevent these pests from becoming a bother in your bar or restaurant.
Jennifer Brumfield is a Technical Specialist and Board-Certified Entomologist with Western Pest Services, a New Jersey-based pest management company serving businesses and homeowners in major Northeastern markets. Learn more about Western by visiting their website.
