PEST CONTROL BORED OF THE FLIES
Berwyn Evans, Head of SME at Rentokil Pest Control, provides some top tips to keep your workplace fly-free.
Flies aren’t just annoying; they pose a risk to human health as they can cause contamination when they land on food. Though much effort is taken to ensure that workspaces are kept clean, flies can thrive on any decaying organic material such as discarded food. With an egg gestation period of only one day, a fly infestation can develop very quickly.
Flies spread diseases such as Salmonella and
E.Coli as they move from one food source to another, while some species of fly (for example the horse fly) can even bite and cause painful skin reactions. As we head into the warmer months adult flies will emerge to find decaying food and water and the females will begin to lay their eggs.
The impending influx of flies means that facilities managers and health and safety executives should ensure they have the right measures in place to keep fly activity at bay, and to prevent infestations from happening. It is particularly important to protect food preparation and dining areas, as flies are one of the UK’s most common causes of food poisoning. Many offices have a kitchen area or canteen, so it is important to make sure that these areas do not become hazardous.
There are roughly 7,000 types of fly species in the UK. Below are two common flies that can be found in premises across the country. House flies are major carriers of microorganisms that can cause diseases, including Salmonella and
E.Coli, and are a major problem for businesses, especially those that handle food. House flies feed by regurgitating acids onto food and then proceed to suck up the resultant mush.
The bluebottle fly, otherwise known as a blow fly, can often be seen hovering around dustbins. They are scavengers and are particularly attracted to faeces and dead animals. They are also quite happy to feed on cheese and deli meats which can lead to contamination as they land on the food they eat.
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There are practical measures that you can implement around the premise to ensure that flies are deterred from entering the building.
Flies are typically attracted to unhygienic areas and places, so your first line of defence is to ensure your premises are clean. Facilities managers should work closely with cleaning staff to design a schedule that covers a regular clean of walls, floors, ceilings and windows. In kitchen and eating areas it’s important that equipment is routinely wiped down inside and out, including fridges and freezers.
Food waste needs to be collected frequently, before bins start overflowing. In the spring, it’s important that kitchen doors are closed and that there are enough fly eradication measures in place to cope with the arrival of these pests.
Tools to improve Fly screens across windows are a must to prevent insects from entering the premise in the first place. However, fly control indoors is equally important for the determined few that manage to find their way in. It’s recommended that you opt for a fly control unit that encapsulates captured flies, rather than zapping them. Units that electrocute flying insects release micro-particles into the air, which can then fall onto surfaces and food. Fly control units that transmit ultra violet (UV) light are also useful tools in the fight to keep your business fly-free.
Beyond eating and food preparation areas, FMs shouldn’t fall into the trap of thinking that their premise could never host a fly infestation, as these pests can make anywhere their home. If you are dealing with a fly problem, or are simply looking to prevent one then it is important to know who to contact. If you are in any doubt as to what methods to use, then it is always best to check with the experts.
www.rentokil.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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