By Stuart Aust, President and CEO
Years back, many pest management professionals (PMPs) might say that there is not much that could be done to control flies. Nowadays, though, fly control is a vital part of a pest management program for both residential and commercial accounts.
Providing fly control is a highly valued service, as certain flies can cause food poisoning, dysentery and other diseases. Flies can also be found around dead and decaying animal carcasses.
Currently, some of the materials and equipment being used to control flies range from monitors, fly bait, pheromone lures, fly sticks, sticky traps, insect light traps (ILTs), zappers, products for drains, ultraviolet light (ULV) and residual treatments, and even organic and green products.
A thorough inspection is the first order of business. Proper identification of the type of fly and detecting the source where they are breeding are key. After identification is established, control measures can be implemented.
Educating clients on good sanitation practices is paramount. We recommend taking your client by the hand and showing them the areas and issues that are conducive to fly issues. If your client/decision maker is at another location, send them photographs of the issues at hand. By eliminating breeding sites, one can solve and prevent future fly infestations.
Exclusion is another key component to ensuring a fly-free program. All cracks and openings to a business or home should be closed up to eliminate easy access into the structure.
Years back, we received a phone call from one of our restaurant clients complaining of flies. Upon inspecting this restaurant, I observed the back door wide open, the screen was missing from the door, and the Dumpster was within 10 ft. of the door. Need I say more?
The follow-up to any fly program is important to ensure a successful program. Making sure the client is performing the corrective sanitation procedures is tantamount to success. Establishing a partnership with your client is also important.
So, with fly season upon us, it is time to go out and get your piece of the pie — before the flies do!
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