5 common signs you have a fly problem

This blog looks at the five most common signs that indicate you have a fly problem, and offers some advice on what to do about it.

Flies are a topic that we have written quite a lot about on the deBugged blog, simply because they are such a problem for business and homeowners alike. In the past we have debunked some common myths about preventing flies and taken a look at DIY solutions for getting rid of flies at home. We’ve also discussed 4 great reasons why why LED fly killer unit should be your insect light trap of choice, given that they are the most economical choice for businesses, and are better for the environment.

The advice above is well and good, but how do you know you have fly problem to start with? Let’s take a look at the 5 most common signs that indicate you have a fly infestation brewing.

5 common signs you have a fly problem:

1. 
   

   Flies!
   
   

   
   

   Yes, you guessed it. Regular sighting of flies – alive or dead – is probably the quickest and easiest way to know you have a problem brewing! If you see flies buzzing around the refuse area, the base of wheelie bins or other waste containers, it may indicate a problem.  Check anywhere that water pools or may be standing, such as guttering, rainwater tanks, tyres, buckets, plant pots etc. If you see flies in areas like these, as well as dead flies scattered around your home or business, you need to start taking steps to prevent  a small fly problem from becoming a massive fly infestation.

   
   

   Also 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, fat traps and areas around sinks and below damaged floor tiling should also be monitored. Read more about how good kitchen hygiene can prevent flies in a commercial kitchen.

2. 
   

   Small dark clusters of spots, the size of a pinhead:

   
   

   Secondly, if you see small dark spots on your light fittings or the upper sections of your walls it’s a good indication of a problem. These spots or specks are fly droppings.

3. 
   

   Maggots:

   
   

   Maggots are a sure sign of a fly problem because maggots are flies in their larval stage. Seeing maggots indicates a fly breeding site. You could discover maggots in rubbish bins, deteriorating food, garden refuse, pet waste or dead pests (such as rats).

4. 
   

   A terrible smell:

   
   

   If you’ve noticed a foul smell in the air, it could mean that you have dead rodents in the roof space, the vents or any other concealed space. If you can smell a dead rat, the chances are high that a fly has already found its way to it and started laying eggs. Wait a little bit longer and you’ll see maggots, too (yuk)!

5. 
   

   A heat wave or very warm weather:
   
   

   
   

   This final sign often is a precursor to a small problem rapidly becoming a big problem. Whilst different species of fly have different lifecycles, their lifecycles all speed up as temperatures rise, enabling them to reach adulthood quicker, and thus to breed faster.

How to control a fly infestation: 

It’s important to call in the experts quickly before your business is negatively affected by a fly problem, and you loose time, money or reputation. Rentokil pest control technicians are discreet and can visit at times that suit your establishment. They are trained in a number of fly control methods, such as spraying and installing fly traps and bait stations. Their expert knowledge of fly biology means more efficiently targeted insecticide application. Regular fly control inspections by qualified pest control technicians also prevent the re-occurrence of a fly infestation.

Rentokil’s Innovative LED fly control

The Lumnia Range, Rentokil’s Innovative LED fly control range, effectively eliminates flies, while minimising energy costs and carbon emissions. Lumnia offers market leading protection against flies, with the widest range of LED fly control units available for every business environment. These include: Food Manufacturing; Hotels; Restaurants and Bars; Warehouse and Distribution, Offices; Residential etc.

Although flies come with the threat of disease, an infestation is manageable with the proper precautions and treatments, and Rentokil has a range of pest control solutions suitable for your home or business.

If you are worried that you may have a fly problem, contact our team to arrange a free pest control survey of your business.