Experience Matters

If you’re in the pest control industry, there’s a chance you’ll have to deal with small flies — think fruit flies, drain flies and phorid flies — throughout your career.

Although it may not be a major part of your company’s overall revenue, it’s a vital service that some of your clients depend on.

“Knowing how to control small flies is extremely important,” said Andy Nieves, vice president, BHB Pest Elimination, New York, N.Y. “For many restaurants in New York, even one fly can be detrimental if they get a bad review.”

While 95% of pest management professionals (PMPs) reported their company offers services to control small flies, only 4.9% of revenue was generated by small fly services, according to PMPs who participated in the 2025 PCT State of the Small Fly Control Market survey.

“It’s just not every day that we get a call about small fly control,” said Matt Henderson, vice president, Country Boy Pest Control, Winter Haven, Fla. “And when we do, we try to educate our customers how to prevent fly issues by focusing on the role of cleanliness and sanitation. That’s what we preach.”

Customer education and cooperation remains one of the biggest issues PMPs encounter when treating for small flies. While PMPs are more than ready to dole out knowledge on small flies, many customers struggle or are reluctant to improve sanitation conditions. This can lead to repeated service calls and frequent treatments.

In fact, 52% of PMPs said they’ve turned a one-time small fly-only customer into a recurring pest control client.

“The most common issue — whether it’s drain flies, fruit flies or fungus gnats — is the sanitation or the environment of a location that’s giving these small flies an opportunity to breed and grow,” said Zachary Hall, service supervisor, Thomas Pest Services, Schenectady, N.Y.

While customer education is essential, it all starts with PMPs and their expertise. Being able to identify the type of fly causing your client issues — and how to successfully treat and prevent — can mean having a lifelong customer.

“If you’re new to pest control, or a seasoned professional who has never dealt with small flies, once you start noticing a small problem, address it right then and don’t let it get out of control,” said Melisa Arnold, owner, Horizon Pest Solutions, New Cambria, Kan. “As with anything in pest control, the longer you wait to try to control it, the harder it is and the more money it costs you and your client.”