All restaurant owners, managers and staff know how important it is to keep flies out of the kitchen. But what are the steps needed to achieve this? This post looks at all the top tips to keep flies in restaurant kitchens at bay.
Keep all kitchen bins sealed and emptied regularly
Flies in restaurant kitchens often gather around waste bins. Food scraps, packaging and liquids offer the perfect breeding conditions. Always use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Additionally, empty and clean bins at least once per day. Pay extra attention during warm months when flies multiply quickly. Even a small spill can attract unwanted visitors.
Maintain clean drains and sink areas
Dirty drains often encourage flies in restaurant kitchens. In particular, fruit flies and drain flies thrive in the residue inside pipes. Regularly flush drains using approved enzymatic cleaners. Also, ensure no food debris builds up in or around plugholes.
This not only prevents flies but also reduces odours. Flies also love damp areas. For this reason, fix leaks under sinks, behind appliances or around fridges. Mop up spills right away. Clean under equipment where water may pool unnoticed. Reducing moisture helps control both flies and other pests.
Install fly screens and automatic door closers
It is vital to block entry points. Therefore, we recommend fly screens on windows and doors that stay open for ventilation. Moreover, automatic door closers help stop flies entering delivery entrances or rear exits. Consider air curtains if screens are not practical in high-traffic areas.
Clean food prep areas and equipment regularly
You must clean as you go. Do not leave spills, crumbs or food residue for later. Flies need only minutes to find exposed food. Wipe surfaces after each use. Also, pay attention to mixers, slicers and utensils where food can hide. Even small lapses in hygiene attract flies. When it comes to hygiene, you know you must maintain certain standards by law.
Store food properly at all times
Another way to avoid flies in restaurant kitchens is safe food storage. Cover all open food with lids or film. Transfer dry goods into sealed containers. Refrigerate perishable items immediately. Do not leave anything uncovered, even for short periods. This step is key during prep and service. Also check deliveries and stock for hidden fly sources
Sometimes flies in restaurant settings arrive with deliveries. Eggs or larvae may hide in produce or packaging. Inspect all deliveries before storing them. Remove spoiled food immediately. Check shelving and storage bins regularly. You should also rotate stock using a first-in, first-out system.
Use electronic fly catchers
Electronic fly catchers work by attracting flying insects using UV light, then trapping or electrocuting them. In commercial kitchens, they offer a hygienic, chemical-free solution to manage flying insects. However, you must position them correctly, away from food prep areas, in line with UK food safety laws. Regular servicing ensures they stay effective and compliant.
We provide tailored pest control for restaurants. Preventative visits help reduce the risk of infestations before they start. We also offer detailed fly control advice based on your kitchen layout. Installing fly control units and monitoring traps makes a big difference.