Eliminate Flies in Your Commercial Kitchen with These Simple Steps

Flies can be a major problem in commercial kitchens, especially during the summer months when they are more prevalent. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also pose a health risk to customers if they are not properly dealt with. In this article, readers will find everything they need to know about getting rid of flies in a commercial kitchen, from identifying the signs of a fly infestation to implementing effective prevention and control measures.

To get rid of flies in a commercial kitchen, it is important to first understand the causes of a fly infestation. Flies are attracted to food waste, dirty surfaces, and standing water, so it is essential to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen environment. This includes regularly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, disposing of food waste properly, and fixing any leaks or standing water sources.

Prevention is key when it comes to controlling fly infestations in a commercial kitchen. By implementing a few simple measures, such as installing fly screens on windows and doors, using insect light traps, and regularly cleaning drains and grease traps, kitchen owners and operators can significantly reduce the risk of a fly infestation. By following these guidelines, readers can ensure that their commercial kitchen remains free of flies and safe for both customers and staff.

Why Flies Are a Problem in Commercial Kitchens

Flies are a common problem in commercial kitchens and can pose serious health and hygiene risks. These pests are attracted to food, garbage, and other organic materials, making commercial kitchens an ideal breeding ground for them.

Flies can carry a variety of diseases and pathogens such as typhoid, cholera, and tuberculosis. They can easily transfer these diseases to humans by landing on food or surfaces that come into contact with food. This can lead to food contamination and illness among customers, which can be detrimental to a restaurant's reputation and business.

In addition, flies can also cause hygiene risks by spreading bacteria and germs. They can pick up bacteria from garbage and other unsanitary areas and then transfer them to food and surfaces in the kitchen. This can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria, which can cause food poisoning and other illnesses.

Diptera, or fly pests, can also be a nuisance in commercial kitchens. Fruit flies, for example, can infest ripened fruit, vinegar, and beer/soda/juice tap lines. Females can lay up to 500 eggs each in rotted fruit, tap lines, and dirty drains, leading to a rapid infestation. Cluster flies, on the other hand, are attracted to warmth and tend to hide in walls during winter months. Due to their sheer numbers, they can be a real issue in commercial kitchens.

To prevent the health and hygiene risks associated with flies in commercial kitchens, it is important to implement proper sanitation measures. This includes keeping trash pails, drains, and drain traps clean, wiping down counter spaces and chopping blocks regularly, and ensuring that all food remains refrigerated when not in use. It is also important to keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent fly entry and to inspect for breeding and feeding sites, like garbage collection areas, if problem flies appear to be entering from outside the building.

Identifying the Type of Fly

When dealing with a fly infestation in a commercial kitchen, it is important to identify the type of fly in order to effectively eliminate them. Here are the most common types of flies found in commercial kitchens:

House Flies

House flies are the most common type of fly found in commercial kitchens. They are attracted to food, garbage, and other organic materials. House flies are usually gray in color and about 1/4 inch long. They have four dark stripes on their thorax and have a spongy mouthpart that they use to feed on liquid.

Fruit Flies

Fruit flies are small, about 1/8 inch long, and are usually tan or brown in color. They are attracted to overripe fruit, vegetables, and other organic materials. Fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs at a time, making them a particularly difficult pest to control.

Phorid Flies

Phorid flies are small, about 1/8 inch long, and are often mistaken for fruit flies. They are attracted to decaying organic matter, such as rotting meat, cheese, and other food products. Phorid flies are known for their ability to quickly reproduce and infest an area.

Drain Flies

Drain flies are small, about 1/8 inch long, and are usually gray or black in color. They are attracted to moist areas, such as drains, grease traps, and other areas with standing water. Drain flies are known for their ability to quickly reproduce and infest an area.

Sewer Flies

Sewer flies are small, about 1/8 inch long, and are usually gray or black in color. They are attracted to sewage and other organic matter found in sewer lines and septic tanks. Sewer flies can quickly infest an area and are known for their ability to spread disease.

In order to effectively eliminate a fly infestation in a commercial kitchen, it is important to identify the type of fly and target their breeding and feeding areas. Regular cleaning and maintenance of drains, grease traps, and other areas with standing water can help prevent infestations. Additionally, installing fly lights or zappers can help control the population of flies in the area.

Preventing Fly Infestations

Flies are a common problem in commercial kitchens and can pose a serious health risk. Preventing fly infestations is crucial in maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Here are some effective measures to prevent fly infestations.

Sanitation

Sanitation is key to preventing fly infestations. Keep all surfaces, including counter spaces and chopping blocks, clean and free of food debris. Wipe down surfaces regularly with a disinfectant solution. Keep trash pails, drains, and drain traps clean to prevent flies from breeding. All food should remain refrigerated when it is not being used.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent fly infestations. Clean all surfaces, equipment, and utensils after each use. Pay special attention to areas where organic waste accumulates, such as drains, garbage disposals, and floor drains. Use a pipe brush to clean the drain and pour boiling water down the drain to kill any eggs or larvae.

Organic Waste

Organic waste is a major attractant for flies. Dispose of all organic waste properly and frequently. Keep garbage cans and dumpsters clean and covered. Consider using garbage bags that are specifically designed to repel flies.

Spills

Clean up spills immediately to prevent flies from being attracted to the area. Use a disinfectant solution to clean the affected area thoroughly.

Screens

Install screens on all windows and doors to prevent flies from entering the kitchen. Make sure that screens are in good condition and free of tears or holes.

Air Curtains

Air curtains can be effective in preventing flies from entering the kitchen. They create a barrier of air that flies are unable to penetrate. Consider installing air curtains on all exterior doors.

Entry Points

Identify and seal all entry points where flies may be entering the kitchen. This includes gaps around doors and windows, vents, and pipes. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any gaps.

By following these measures, commercial kitchens can effectively prevent fly infestations and maintain a clean and safe environment for employees and customers.

Getting Rid of Flies

Flies in a commercial kitchen can be a serious problem, as they can contaminate food and spread diseases. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to get rid of flies.

Pest Control Professionals

One of the most effective ways to get rid of flies in a commercial kitchen is to hire a pest control professional. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify the source of the infestation and use the appropriate methods to eliminate it. They can also provide ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations.

DIY Methods

If you prefer to tackle the problem yourself, there are several DIY methods you can try.

Sanitation

Sanitation is crucial in preventing flies from infesting a commercial kitchen. Keep trash pails, drains, and drain traps clean. Counter spaces and chopping blocks should be wiped down regularly. All food should remain refrigerated when it is not being used. Empty garbage cans regularly to avoid attracting flies.

Windows and Doors

Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent fly entry. If you need to keep them open, consider installing screens to keep flies out.

Drain Flies

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.

Fruit Flies

To eliminate fruit flies, place ripened fruit and vegetables out of sight and into the refrigerator to prevent fruit flies from having a breeding source. Throw any rotten produce away. Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of water, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Leave the bowl out for a few days close to the drain to attract the drain flies to the sweet solution. The thickness of the added soap will trap the flies in the water.

In conclusion, getting rid of flies in a commercial kitchen requires a combination of pest control professional services and DIY methods. By keeping the kitchen clean and free of potential breeding sources, and using effective methods to eliminate the flies, you can ensure a safe and healthy environment for your customers and employees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preventing and getting rid of flies in a commercial kitchen is crucial for maintaining food safety and hygiene. Sanitation is key in preventing flies from infesting the kitchen. Regularly cleaning trash pails, drains, and drain traps, and wiping down counter spaces and chopping blocks can help reduce fly attraction. Keeping all food refrigerated when not in use can also prevent fly infestations.

If problem flies appear to be entering from outside the building, inspecting for breeding and feeding sites like garbage collection areas can help. Keeping doors and windows sealed and tight against the frames and using screens to block pests from finding openings can also prevent fly entry.

Fruit flies are one of the most common commercial kitchen pest issues. Eliminating the obvious sources of attraction for fruit flies, such as placing ripened fruit and vegetables out of sight and into the refrigerator, can help prevent breeding sources. Emptying recycling bins and trash cans regularly can also avoid fruit flies and houseflies.

Overall, the best way to prevent and get rid of flies in a commercial kitchen is to maintain a clean environment, regularly inspect for breeding and feeding sites, and keep doors and windows sealed. By following these simple steps, commercial kitchens can ensure that their food is safe and free from fly infestations.