Getting rid of flies
There are thousands of fly species in the UK, though only a handful regularly bother us. The one most people mean when they talk about "flies" is the common house fly, but crane flies, cluster flies, fruit flies, drain flies and green bottle flies each behave differently and need a different response.
Getting rid of flies for good starts with identifying which fly you actually have, because the right treatment depends on where the flies are breeding.
Other common types of flies
"Flies" covers several very different species, and knowing which one you have points to the cause and the cure. Below are the flies we deal with most often. Each has its own guide.
- Cluster fly. Larger and sluggish, these gather in large numbers to overwinter in lofts and wall voids in autumn, returning to the same building year after year. They breed outdoors in soil, not in your home. Read more about cluster flies.
- Crane fly (daddy longlegs). The long-legged flies that appear in large numbers in late summer and autumn. Harmless to people, though their leatherjacket larvae can damage lawns. Read more about crane flies.
- Green bottle and blow fly. Metallic green or blue flies attracted to meat, waste and carcasses. Their presence indoors can point to a hidden source such as a dead animal or bin.
- Fruit fly. Tiny flies swarming around ripe fruit, food waste and drinks. Common in kitchens, bars and food premises.
- Drain fly. Small, moth-like flies that breed in the organic film inside drains and waste pipes. A sign of a drainage or hygiene issue.
If you are not sure which fly you have, send us a photo and our technicians can identify it and advise on the right treatment.
What attracts flies?
Flies come indoors looking for food, moisture and somewhere to breed. The usual attractions are:
- Uncovered food, food waste and spillages, especially anything sugary
- Open or overflowing bins and compost
- Dirty drains, damp cloths and standing water
- Pet food, pet waste and animal housing
- Warmth and light, which draw many flies indoors
Because flies are drawn to these things, removing them is the foundation of both prevention and lasting control.
How to get rid of flies
For a light, occasional problem, good housekeeping and simple measures are often enough. For a persistent infestation, especially in a business, professional treatment that targets the breeding source is the reliable answer.
What you can do yourself
- Cover food and clear away scraps and spillages promptly
- Empty bins regularly and keep them firmly closed
- Clean kitchen surfaces, and do not leave dirty dishes or dishwater standing
- Keep windows and doors closed, or fit fly screens during warm weather
- Clean pet areas, and clear pet waste from the garden
- Keep drains clean and clear to remove breeding sites
Fly control for businesses
Flies are a serious issue for any business that handles food or serves the public. They contaminate food and surfaces, spread bacteria, and create a poor impression that can damage a reputation in seconds.
For commercial premises we provide discreet, continuous fly control, including electric fly killer (EFK) units that use UV light to attract and eliminate flying insects around the clock.
Our commercial service includes professional installation in the right locations, regular servicing and maintenance, safe disposal, and detailed reporting for audits and inspections. We support food and industrial manufacturing, hospitality, retail and logistics, healthcare and offices, with solutions matched to each environment and its compliance requirements.