Not only are flies annoying, but these flying insects pose health risks - spreading with them bacteria that can cause harmful diseases. It is of great importance to employ fly control methods to get rid of flies before they become a problem.

Summer is in full swing and so are the flies. Flies feed by regurgitating onto our food and then using their straw-shaped tongues to suck up the partially dissolved food. Flies like to eat what we eat, but they also feed on bacteria-laden faeces, manure and rotting produce, thus contaminating food for human consumption when they move from one surface to another. They are know to carry bacterial such as E.Coli, the primary cause of gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting.

As much as these flying insects may worry you at home, the result of a fly infestation for a business is far more serious. Flies create an unhygienic and unhealthy environment for customers and employees, and the mere sight of flies may cause damage to the reputation on any establishment. For food manufacturing businesses, fly control is a critical element of HACCP compliance.

As there are over 100,00 species of flies worldwide, knowing your enemy is crucial in the battle to eliminate a fly infestation and effectively get rid of flies. Different species have different breeding habits, and are attracted to different sources of food. Cerrtain flies are commonly associated with human food preperation, and storage areas and are therefore a source of annoyance for commercial kitchens and restaurants. Some are attracted to alcohol and sugary drinks and are more problematic in bars. Others still are attracted particulary to decaying meat and meat products and are a problem for the meat processing industry.

The Rentokil pest control technicians are experts in fly biology, allowing them to identify types of flies, their breeding habits, entry points and preferred food source, and enabling them to offer appropriate advice regarding insect proofing and housekeeping so that flies are prevented from entering the premises and breeding further.

Wondering how to get rid of flies? Rentokil offers the following fly control tips to help prevent flies from ruining your summer:

- Limit flies ability to breed and feed by removing all potential food sources. This includes leftover food, soft fruits, spilled drinks and pet food. Eliminate any sources of stagnant water where flies may breed.

- Place fans near most vulnerable areas in your property, like doors, and keep them blowing. Flies cannot land in a cross wind.

- Empty your rubbish bins at least twice a week and keep them as far away from doors as possible to prevent a fly infestation from occurring.

- Ensure that rubbish bins seal tightly and are always closed.

- To further ensure you  get rid of flies, be sure to seal entry points around windows and doors using sealant or caulking to plug the holes.

- Install fly strips across doorways, and fly screens across windows. Alternately ensure doors and windows remain closed.

Whilst prevention is always better than a cure, once a fly infestation  has taken place, it is important to call in the experts to get rid of flies successfully. Rentokil pest control technicians are trained in a number of fly control methods, such as spraying, installing fly traps and bait stations, ultra-low volume fogging and the installation of fly control units specifically designed to meet the individual requirements of businesses, and their expert knowledge of fly biology means more effectively targeted insecticide application. Regular inspections by qualified pest control technicians also prevent the re-occurrence of a fly infestation.

For more information on how to get rid of flies in summer or to arranger a free pest control survey of your business, contact Rentokil Initial on 0800 736 865 or visit http://bit.ly/ZzPG0g 

About Rentokil Initial

The Rentokil Initial group specialise in pest control, hygiene services and interior landscaping for businesses across the globe. Usinge leading-edge, environmentally-friendly technology, their experts deliver a wide range of tailored services to businesses of all kinds. Rentokil Initial South Africa has operations in all major business centres across the country.