Checklist to Help Identify Conducive Conditions for Small Fly Breeding Zones

Small flies invading your customers’ facilities can, without question, be a significant public health threat.

Organic matter and moist environments present in those facilities attract fruit, drain and phorid flies. To eliminate them, it’s important to initiate an IPM program that includes a biodegradable product that removes the organic debris where larvae develop. Below you’ll find a helpful list of likely small fly breeding zones:

In kitchens, where organic debris can be found, look for these areas: top and bottom gaps or open cracks in vinyl or tile baseboard moldings; wall surfaces under food service tables and counters; floors and walls behind equipment legs, drain lines and other obstacles; and dishwasher disposals.

Also, be aware of the potential of dirty dishes, pots and pans left sitting over long periods of time; plumbing leaks, broken connections, and drip lines above floor drains, as well as irregular floor levels with low spots containing standing water.

Plastic garbage cans with surface scratches and cracks containing debris can be a breeding source, as can floor drains, floor tiles with broken grout and open cracks, and rubber floor mats.

In kitchen storage and utility areas, be sure to watch out for improper storage conditions for fruits and vegetables; rotten fruits or vegetables in storage or on floors under equipment; improper storage or spills of bakery fillings, puddings and jams; covered or uncovered food that has been forgotten or neglected; un-rinsed cans or bottles in recycle or garbage bins; and incorrectly stored dirty brooms.

In bar areas, beer and soda drain trays, and connecting plastic drip line hose(s) to floor drain can be breeding zones, as can soda unit dispensers, supply tubes leading through counter tops to bulk containers; walls, baseboards, and floor areas under bottle racks, sinks and refrigerators; drain tube drip pipes above floor drains. Washrooms can contain other breeding areas, such as baseboard moldings; the toilet base at the floor; floor and sink drains; broken drain lines, and dirty mop and/or broom storage spaces.