Small flies, and drains, and cleaning...Oh my!

In any bustling business environment, whether it’s a café, retail space, or workshop, cleanliness is crucial for maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. However, one often-overlooked area that can lead to a troublesome fly problem is the floor drains. If not properly maintained, these drains can accumulate dirt, grease, and organic matter, creating an inviting breeding ground for flies. Ignoring this issue can quickly become a bigger challenge, as pests can disrupt operations and tarnish your business's reputation. This can create a multitude of problems in kitchens, including:

• Foul odors can permeate the kitchen and even into dining areas.
• Buildup in drains can attract and create a breeding ground for pests, such as small flies.
• Drain line buildup can reach a point where drains back up or do not drain properly, which may lead to closure in severe cases.
• Backups can result in additional charges for emergency plumbing costs.

Caring for your drains should be a critical part of your cleaning and sanitation program. When neglected, the impact can ripple through your business, potentially disrupting operations.

Where do small fly problems start?

Small fly problems, such as those caused by fruit, vinegar, and drain flies, typically occur due to environments that provide ideal breeding conditions. Fruit flies are often attracted to overripe fruits and drain flies prefer the organic matter found in damp drains. Maintaining a tidy environment and addressing areas that could foster breeding is critical for preventing infestations.

In businesses, these areas are usually hot spots:

• Underneath difficult-to-clean equipment  
• In storage areas with perishable items  
• Around beverage stations and service areas  
• In gaps around dishwashing units  
• At the base of walls with cracks or unsealed edges

Once existing small flies find a drain, they can lay eggs in the buildup, and the problem can multiply. Daily thorough cleaning and sanitation practices can help reduce small fly problems in your business.

Dos and don’ts of keeping floor drains and drain lines clean

Several practical solutions can be implemented to help maintain clean drains. Certain practices should also be avoided for the best care of your drains.

• Incorporate drain cleaning into your regular cleaning routine. Use a stiff drain cleaning brush with a splash guard to help prevent potentially harmful pathogens.
• Be sure to thoroughly scrub the drain cover, paying special attention to the sides and underneath to eliminate any buildup.
• Consider using an automated drain line injection system to minimize grease build-up in the main drain line under sinks. Rentokil offers a battery-operated system that can be serviced during regular pest control visits.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage pipes. Never pour bleach down the drains; it does not eliminate breeding sites and only temporarily masks odors.
• While drain cleaning products like enzymes or emulsifiers may liquefy grease and push it down the line, they only offer a temporary solution.
• Opt for bacteria-based products that digest organic matter and grease. Rentokil has various options for spot cleaning or mop water, which can then be safely poured down the floor drain to help keep it flowing freely.

With small investments in the right tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you and your team can keep your drain lines free-flowing and keep pests such as small flies away from your kitchen. If your staff doesn’t have the bandwidth for drain cleaning, ask your Rentokil technician about options or call 866.483.5166. We will gladly discuss programs and tools to help you with drain line maintenance and small fly problem resolution!