Flies Are Killing Your Restaurant’s Reputation: What to Do About It?

by jutu 03 Jun 2025

IA Buzz You Can’t Afford to Ignore. magine this: a couple walks into your restaurant, sits down at a beautifully set table, only to be greeted by a fly landing on their appetizer. In seconds, their focus shifts from the ambiance and flavor to swatting at a winged intruder. While it might seem like a minor annoyance, in the world of insect pest control, a single fly can be the symptom of a much bigger—and potentially reputation-ruining—problem.

In today’s competitive foodservice industry, maintaining excellent hygiene isn’t just about food quality; it’s about customer perception, compliance, and long-term success. Yet, many restaurants overlook how dangerous and damaging flies can be. This article will explore why effective pest control is essential for restaurants, especially when it comes to fly infestations, and outline the top prevention strategies every operator should implement.

Why Flies Are More Than Just a Nuisance

You might think a fly is harmless. It’s small, easy to ignore, and unlike cockroaches or rodents, it doesn’t always evoke the same visceral disgust. But here's the reality: flies are disease vectors. They thrive in filth—trash bins, sewers, decaying food—and then land on your customers’ plates, glasses, and cutlery.

According to public health experts, flies can carry over 100 pathogens, including:

E. coli
Salmonella
Cholera
Meningitis
Shigella

Each time they land, they’re potentially spreading these pathogens. In fact, because of their feeding and breeding habits, house flies are often dirtier than cockroaches.

Related Reading: Fly Control Strategies for Restaurants

The Hidden Cost of a Fly Sighting

In a recent survey, more than 50% of restaurant-goers reported seeing a pest during their dining experience—and flies were the #1 culprit. Yet, 75% of these sightings go unreported. Why? Most patrons consider them “minor,” yet the subconscious damage is done.

Worse still, 61% of patrons admit they’d continue eating after a fly lands on their food. This might sound like it reduces the threat—but it actually increases liability. Fly-contaminated food still poses serious health risks, and the restaurant is ultimately responsible.

The cost isn’t just medical or reputational. In many states, consistent sightings can result in:

Health code violations
Failed inspections
Fines
Temporary or permanent closures

The Real Reason You Have a Fly Problem

Here’s the truth: flies are not the root problem—they are the symptom. If your restaurant is experiencing fly issues, it means there’s an underlying issue with sanitation, waste management, entry point control, or environmental design.

That’s why reactive solutions—like swatters or aerosol sprays—aren’t enough. Effective commercial pest management requires a proactive, integrated approach.

Step 1: Conduct a Thorough Inspection

Every fly infestation starts somewhere. The first step in insect pest control is to identify the source. Work with a licensed pest professional to inspect:

Delivery trucks and storage areas
Floor drains and grease traps
Dumpster locations and lids
Indoor plants and compost bins
Floor mats, beverage stations, and syrup build-up

Many fly species lay eggs in organic waste and moist environments, and fly eggs are nearly invisible to the human eye. Early detection is key.

Step 2: Exclude Flies Before They Enter

Exclusion is your restaurant’s invisible shield. It prevents insects from ever getting in. Strategies include:

Sealing wall cracks and utility gaps
Installing weather stripping and door sweeps
Ensuring windows have tight-fitting screens
Avoiding outdoor lighting near entrances (it attracts flies)
Installing air curtains at entry points
Maintaining positive air pressure indoors

These tactics don’t just keep out flies—they also help deter other pests like mosquitos, gnats, and even rodents.

Step 3: Sanitation—The Most Powerful Tool in Pest Control

Want to kill a fly problem at its roots? Start with your cleaning checklist. Sanitation is arguably the most effective part of fly prevention in restaurants. Make sure to:

Clean up spills immediately, especially sugary liquids
Use enzyme cleaners in drains to remove organic buildup
Regularly empty and clean grease traps
Store food in sealed containers
Rinse recyclables before disposal
Sanitize mop heads and cleaning tools
Deep clean hard-to-reach areas like behind ovens, coolers, and dishwashers

Odors are the first invitation for flies. Eliminate the smell, eliminate the interest.

Step 4: Use Mechanical Fly Traps Strategically

Flies are attracted to UV light and specific wavelengths. That’s why indoor insect light traps (ILTs) are so effective—if placed correctly. Here’s how to optimize them:

Mount ILTs below eye level (ideally under 5 feet)
Place them near entrances, but out of direct sight from outside
Never mount them directly over food prep surfaces
Use glue boards with non-zapping lights to avoid scattering fly parts
Clean and replace sticky boards weekly

In combination with good sanitation, UV fly traps serve as a silent 24/7 line of defense.

Buy Link: Wowcatch Indoor Flying Insect Trap $16.14

Step 5: Train Staff to Be Your Eyes

Pest control isn’t just the job of a technician. Your staff is on the front lines every day. Train them to:

Recognize early signs of infestation
Report pest sightings immediately
Never ignore a fly in the kitchen or dining area
Understand how to log and report sanitation issues
Practice proper waste disposal and food storage

Create a culture of prevention and accountability. Empower your team, and they’ll protect your brand.

Step 6: Partner with a Professional Pest Control Provider

No matter how great your internal efforts are, you need expert support. Partner with a licensed pest control company that specializes in restaurants and foodservice facilities. Look for:

Experience with commercial kitchens
Non-toxic or food-safe treatment options
Ongoing monitoring and documentation
Flexible scheduling to avoid peak hours
Transparent reporting systems

Professional support ensures your pest prevention is not just reactive—but resilient.

Conclusion: Protect Your Diners, Protect Your Brand

Flies aren’t just a seasonal nuisance. They’re a constant threat to your reputation, customer health, and business compliance. But with proactive pest control, smart facility design, and well-trained staff, you can keep them out of your restaurant for good.

Remember, if a customer sees one fly—you’ve already lost some trust. Don’t give pests the opportunity to undo your hard work.

Most Asked FAQs About Restaurant Fly Control

What causes fly infestations in restaurants?
Flies are typically attracted to food waste, dirty drains, overfilled trash bins, and poor sanitation practices.
How do you keep flies out of a commercial kitchen?
Use a combination of exclusion (sealing gaps), sanitation, UV light traps, and professional pest control.
Are flies in restaurants a health code violation?
Yes, depending on the severity and local regulations, fly sightings can result in fines or failed inspections.
What diseases do flies spread in restaurants?
Flies can carry pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, which cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses.
Do UV fly traps work in restaurants?
Yes, especially when placed strategically near entrances and away from food prep areas.