Tips to prevent small flies in bars, restaurants, and cafes

The term “small flies” encompasses several different fly species, including fruit flies, phorid flies, and drain flies, which are all tiny but still visible to the human eye. Small flies may be a tiny nuisance pest, but they can cause significant issues for commercial businesses, especially bars, restaurants, and cafes. These flies are not just annoying for customers; they're unsanitary and can pose serious health risks.

The sugary spills, food debris, and standing liquids common in these environments provide ideal food sources and breeding grounds for small flies. Unlike larger flies, a small fly infestation can easily go unnoticed in its early stages. Our experts created a list of tips that focus on removing attractants that can draw flies in so that your space remains less appealing to them. By following these simple tips, you can help keep flies away:

Clean drains regularly

Drains, especially those for soda or beer, develop a biofilm, a type of organic matter made up of microorganisms and bacteria. This biofilm can provide an ideal breeding environment for small flies like fruit flies and drain flies. It’s important to thoroughly clean drains, drain covers, and drain baskets weekly, as they are often overlooked. Remember to use protective equipment to prevent contact with harsh chemicals while cleaning.

Make sure tiles are secured

If your property has tiles, make sure that they are all secured in place and that the grout is intact. Missing tiles or worn grout can collect a buildup of organic debris and quickly become breeding sites for small flies.

Clean under the equipment daily 

Keeping the kitchen environment clean is essential to removing food crumbs, particles, dust, and organic buildup from under and behind kitchen equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and coffee machines. To do this effectively, you should move the equipment out of the way and remove any access panels for a thorough cleaning. When cleaning these areas, consider using alcohol-based cleaners or disinfectants and avoid using abrasive cleaners. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning equipment.

Reduce moisture

Since small flies, like humans, need water to stay alive, removing excess moisture by draining ice wells in the bar area and all sinks in your establishment each night can greatly decrease the risk of an infestation from these nuisance pests. Additionally, after your bar or restaurant staff has finished cleaning for the night, put out industrial floor fans to help dry wet floors and remove any standing water.

Clean soda and bar drip trays

The sugars in soda, beer, and coffee syrups are highly attractive to small flies. Clean on top of and underneath soda fountain trays, beer tap drip trays, and flavored syrup stations daily to prevent problems.

Deep clean seating areas 

After your bar or restaurant closes, it is essential to rigorously wipe down all chairs, tables, couches, and barstools with the correct cleaning products that will effectively wipe off all sticky residue that could attract fruit flies. Additionally, floors should be well-mopped and then dried with fans. Do not underestimate the power of keeping the bar, kitchen, and dining areas (including waitress serving stations) clean when preventing small flies. Equip your employees with a clear checklist of all the cleaning procedures for which they are responsible.

Hang mops to dry

Mop heads that remain left out and wet are an unsuspected place for fruit flies to breed. To avoid this, hang mops upside down to drain and dry them properly. Additionally, mop heads should be changed regularly to prevent the buildup of organic debris.

Practice FIFO rotation for produce

Fruit flies and other small flies are attracted to produce that is beginning to “go bad” and can also breed in rotten produce. To avoid an infestation, practice First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation, which involves placing items with the earliest best-before or use-by dates at the front of your food storage areas and placing items with the furthest dates towards the back.

Partner with Rentokil for professional fly control

The last and most important tip is to partner with a professional pest control company to help implement a strong Integrated Pest Management solution in your bar, restaurant, or cafe. Rentokil’s revolutionary Lumnia UV Insect Light Traps offer proven efficacy in eliminating fly issues and reducing the risk of contamination from small flies and the fragmentation or blowout of dead insects using LED technology.

To get rid of nuisance flies in your business, learn more about our commercial fly control solutions here.