Fly control is vital where humans, pets and livestock are present. Flies can be a nuisance as well as a serious health risk. Effective fly control is typically required around food preparation areas, waste areas and livestock, which is usually where flies congregate. When professional pest control services are not used to control flies, a small problem can turn into a serious infestation. As an example, a female fly lays about 5 batches of around 140 eggs each, in its lifetime. Some fly species can mature from egg to adult in just 7 days. Typically, pest control companies are only contacted once the infestation becomes severe.
In Gauteng, our pest control specialists have found the most common species to be the House fly, Blow fly, Stable fly, Fruit fly and Flesh fly. These flies are referred to as domestic flies as they live in close association with human activities.
How to Identify Whether You Require Fly Control
The need for fly control is easily identified. Flies are attracted to food preparation areas, waste areas and areas where strong smelling livestock or food products are kept.
In some instances, fly droppings are found as well as evidence that flies have fed on or laid eggs on their food. Maggots, which are flies in their larval stage are often found within rubbish bins, faeces or old food stuffs.
Why the need to Control Flies?
Fly control is essential as flies move directly from faeces, waste and decaying matter to human foods and other surfaces. For a fly to eat it must first liquefy its food by regurgitating its digestive enzymes onto the food. It will then feed by sucking up the dissolved matter.
Diseases such as Cholera, Hepatitis, Typhoid, Salmonella, E. Coli and Bacillary Dysentery can spread to humans and animals.
Flies not only spread disease, they damage the image of businesses in the food industry and embarrass and frustrate homeowners.
Fly Control Techniques
We as the Pest Control Pros use various methods to control flies.
The treatment option depends largely on where the infestation occurs relative to sensitive areas such as a food preparation area.
- Residual insecticide sprays and baiting options are very effective when used to control flies in areas where they congregate
- UV light traps and sticky boards are used for fly extermination in areas which need to be HACCP compliant
- Fogging is used for fly extermination in enclosed areas of high infestation
- Where fly larval is found, this is also treated with a residual spray as an effective fly control measure