At SURE Pest Control, we regularly help Perth restaurant owners tackle fly problems. Flies in a commercial kitchen, apart from being a nuisance, are a serious health hazard that can jeopardise your business reputation and compliance with health regulations. Here’s our practical guide to keeping these unwanted pests out of your establishment.
Why Flies Are Attracted to Restaurant Kitchens
Understanding what draws flies to your kitchen is the first step in prevention:
- Food residue and waste: Flies are attracted to food particles, especially those in hard-to-reach areas like behind equipment or under counters
- Grease accumulation: Commercial kitchens produce significant amounts of grease that collects in extraction systems, on surfaces, and in drains—all prime breeding grounds for flies
- Moisture and warmth: The humid, warm environment of a busy kitchen creates ideal conditions for fly reproduction
- Waste management issues: Improperly stored rubbish or infrequently emptied bins quickly become fly magnets
The Grease Component in Commercial Kitchens
Grease management deserves special attention in fly prevention:
- Grease traps: These essential systems capture fats, oils, and grease before they enter the plumbing system. When not regularly maintained, they become perfect breeding sites for flies
- Extraction systems: Hood filters and ducting collect airborne grease particles. Without regular cleaning, this accumulated grease attracts flies and creates fire hazards
- Disposal challenges: Restaurants produce large volumes of waste cooking oil that must be properly stored in sealed containers until collection by specialised services
Effective Fly Prevention Strategies
Daily Maintenance Practices
- Implement a strict cleaning schedule that includes hard-to-reach areas
- Clean spills immediately, especially sugary liquids or meat juices
- Ensure all food is properly covered and stored
- Empty bins frequently and keep lids tightly closed
- Clean and sanitise all food preparation surfaces between uses
Structural Solutions
- Install and maintain fly screens on windows and doors
- Consider air curtains at entrances to prevent flies from entering
- Ensure doors close automatically and remain closed when not in use
- Seal any cracks or gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes
Waste Management
- Store waste in sealed containers away from food preparation areas
- Schedule frequent waste collection, especially during warmer months
- Clean bins and waste storage areas regularly
- Implement a grease management program with scheduled trap cleaning
Equipment Maintenance
- Schedule regular professional cleaning of extraction systems
- Clean behind and under equipment daily
- Ensure drains have proper covers and are regularly cleaned
- Maintain dry floors—fix leaking taps or pipes promptly
Professional Fly Control Solutions
While preventative measures should be part of a daily or weekly routine, sometimes professional intervention is necessary:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments for sustainable fly control
- Professional treatments: When fly problems persist, professional pest control services can identify breeding sources and implement appropriate treatments
When to Consider Professional Fly Control
Consider professional pest control when:
- You notice an increase in fly activity despite preventative measures
- You can’t locate the source of a fly problem
- You need a comprehensive pest management plan for compliance purposes
At SURE Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges Perth restaurants face with fly control. Our commercial pest management programs are designed to keep your kitchen fly-free while ensuring you meet all health regulations.
For a customised fly prevention strategy for your restaurant or commercial establishment in Perth, contact our team of licensed pest control experts today.
