Ask The Expert
Ask the Expert: Keeping Flies Out of Your Facility

Food companies have to manage a variety of pests seeking harborage, food, water and other resources in their facilities. Among these pests, flies can be some of the most difficult to manage. Frank Meek, technical services manager for Orkin and board-certified entomologist with 36 years’ experience in the food industry, shares strategies to you can take to mitigate the risk of flies in your food facility.

Why are flies such a problem for food companies? 

Meek: Flies are prolific breeders, carriers of multiple potential pathogens, vectors of contamination and a costly pest for food manufacturing and processing facilities if not handled appropriately. One female fly can create hundreds of eggs in five or six days and potentially introduce many microorganisms and pathogens. 

Which types of flies pose the greatest risk to food establishments?

Meek: The types of flies most likely to impact food-handling establishments are:

How can you keep flies from entering your facility?

Meek: Flies don’t need a lot of space to get in and out of buildings. They typically enter buildings through frequently opened doors and improperly sealed openings such as drains/pipes, ventilation systems and windows. Because of this, exclusion—using preventive methods to help eliminate pest entry points—will help to keep flies out.

The best way to deter flies is to seek a pest control provider that offers an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. A successful IPM program is proactive, environmentally conscious and addresses the reasons pests are attracted to your facility. IPM is a team effort between you and your pest control provider. Once implemented, your IPM program should be reviewed at least annually with your pest management professional to ensure continued improvement.

How can facilities improve sanitation methods to prevent infestations?

Meek:  Ensure you have a rigorous sanitation routine that addresses high and low pest-pressure areas within your facility. If you already have a schedule, work with your pest control provider to review it so it includes the following:

If you have a fly infestation, how do you get control of that and reduce future issues?

Meek: There are several steps you can take to control and prevent infestations. They include:

Want to learn more about how flies can affect food-handling businesses and what you can do to protect your products and employees? Download Orkin’s No Fly Zone Fly Prevention for Food Processors ebook.

 

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