One of the most common insect infestations, that can lead to domestic properties needing pest control, is flies. Whilst some people may feel they are little more than an inconvenience, they can in fact cause far more harm than simply annoying you.
Whilst you donβt need to worry about being bitten or scratched like you do with fleas or ticks, flies have a far more unsanitary method of causing harm to you and your family. By dragging themselves through faecal matter and other filthy environments, then landing on your food, they can transfer a host of unpleasant diseases:
- Salmonella
- Typhoid
- Gastroenteritis
- Dysentery
- Tuberculosis
Any one of these conditions can cause anything from a few days, to a couple of weeks of feeling absolutely horrible. Some cases may require hospital care, or can even prove fatal.
So what steps can you take to prevent or fight an infestation of flies?
Prevention
The best thing you can do to tackle a fly infestation is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Flies love food, so make sure to wash-up dishes and wipe down surfaces promptly after any meal preparation and consumption. House flies like soft moist vegetables, whilst bluebottles prefer animal fats β such as those found in meat and cheese β so it doesnβt matter what food you are having, the risk for attracting flies will be present.
If you have pets, be sure to clean their food area regularly and clean up any toilet-related accidents as soon as they occur. Parents of babies and toddlers should seal soiled nappies in a (biodegradable) nappy-bag before placing in the refuse and wash soiled clothing promptly.
Fly screens on your doors and windows can prevent flies from entering the house in the first place and can be very good for those who live in areas with lots of flying insects around.
Following all this advice will give you the best chance of avoiding an infestation of flies within your property.
However, if you see clusters of small, dark spots in lit areas, notice an increase in the number of flies around your home or find maggots (flies in larval form) anywhere on your property, then you may have an infestation and will need to take steps to deal with them.
Get the professionals in
Whether you have found flies or maggots calling in the pest control professionals shall give you that piece of mind you need.
Safeguard Pest Control has over 30 years of experience in the business and would be more than happy to rid your commercial premises or home of your fly infestation. Contact us today for more information.