Summertime flies in Central London
As the long, sun-drenched days of summer truly settle in and we head towards the heart of August, many of us enjoy the vibrant energy Central London has to offer. However, with the warmth and the often-humid conditions, there’s another, less welcome buzz in the air: flies.
Here at Obsidian Environmental Services, we pride ourselves on over 65 years of combined fly control experience in safeguarding homes and businesses across the capital. We know precisely the challenges these tiny pests pose. This seasonal shift creates the perfect breeding ground, turning a minor nuisance into a significant infestation if left unchecked.
The what, where, and why of summer flies
Flies are more than just an annoyance; they’re incredibly efficient, albeit unwitting, spreaders of disease and can severely impact hygiene standards. Their feeding habits are fascinating, if not a little unsettling: did you know flies break down food by using digestive enzymes in their saliva to liquefy solid food into a liquid form they can then suck up with their proboscis (mouthpart)? Since most flies lack chewing mouthparts, they cannot ingest solid food directly. This messy eating habit contributes significantly to their ability to spread pathogens.
While it’s impossible to give a precise number for the number of flies hatching per minute in Central London, it’s safe to say the numbers are staggering. Flies have a relatively short life cycle but can reproduce rapidly, with eggs hatching into larvae (maggots) within a day or two. Factors like temperature, humidity, and food availability heavily influence hatching rates, making it highly variable. The warmer months harbour the highest rates of fly breeding activity, where a continuous, albeit fluctuating, rate occurs all year round.
Central London’s unique environment makes it a prime target for fly activity. High population density, extensive underground networks, and an abundance of food sources from street markets to bustling restaurants create ideal conditions. Improper storage or disposal of food waste, structural gaps in buildings, and even blocked drains act as magnets and breeding sites for various fly species spotted within Central London.
Identifying your unwanted guests: common fly species
Understanding the specific type of fly you’re dealing with is the first step towards effective control. Here are some of the most common culprits we encounter in Central London:
- House Flies: These are the ubiquitous grey flies you see almost everywhere. They are attracted to a vast array of food sources, from decaying organic matter to human food, and breed rapidly in filth. Their presence is a strong indicator of sanitation issues, as they readily pick up and transfer bacteria between surfaces.
- Bluebottle Flies: These are common, medium-sized flies easily recognised by their distinctive metallic blue or green bodies and loud, buzzing flight. They are a significant nuisance and public health pest, particularly active during warmer months, attracted to decaying organic matter.
- Fruit Flies: Often seen hovering around overripe fruit, vegetables, and sugary liquids, these tiny, reddish-eyed flies are masters of finding fermenting materials. They can quickly infest kitchens, bars, and anywhere sugary residues accumulate, including drains and damp cleaning cloths.
- Drain Flies (Moth Flies): Recognisable by their small, fuzzy, moth-like appearance and jerky flight, drain flies breed in the moist, organic sludge found in drains, sewage pipes, and neglected condensation trays. A sudden appearance of these suggests a blockage or accumulation of decaying matter within your plumbing system.
- Cluster Flies: Unlike the other species, cluster flies are not typically drawn to food waste. They are more of a nuisance pest, gathering in large numbers in buildings, especially during colder months, often seeking shelter in wall cavities, attics, and unused rooms. While they don’t pose the same hygiene risk as house or fruit flies, their sheer numbers can be distressing, and their droppings can stain surfaces.
Why fly control is crucial (especially for businesses)
The importance of effective fly control extends far beyond mere comfort, especially as a business operating within the food and catering industries. Some examples of the importance of keeping a clean space are:
- Health Risks: Flies are notorious for spreading bacteria and pathogens that cause food poisoning (like Salmonella and E. coli) and other illnesses. They pick up germs on their legs and bodies from decaying matter and then transfer them to food preparation surfaces, utensils, and ultimately, to people.
- Reputational Damage: For businesses, particularly those in the food and beverage industry, a visible fly infestation can be catastrophic. It signals poor hygiene, eroding customer trust and damaging your brand’s reputation. Word of mouth and online reviews can quickly spread negative experiences.
- Financial Penalties: Food businesses face strict hygiene regulations. Failure to maintain adequate standards due to fly infestations can lead to significant fines, forced closures, and legal repercussions.
Effective fly control strategies: prevention is key
While warmer weather, especially in Central London’s urban microclimates, can have a major impact on fly infestations, it’s crucial to remember that flies can pose an all-year-round risk if the proper steps aren’t followed to safeguard your premises. This is particularly true for restaurants, cafes, and any food/drink premises, where sanitation and hygiene are vital to protect the health of staff and customers.
Here are the cornerstones of effective fly control:
- Proper Waste Management: This is non-negotiable. Regular and frequent waste disposal is essential. Ensure all bins have tight-fitting lids, are regularly cleaned, and are located away from entry points. For businesses, implementing a strict waste management schedule is paramount.
- Seal Entry Points: Flies are opportunistic. Seal cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and any other structural vulnerabilities that allow flies easy access into your building. Install and maintain good-quality fly screens on windows and doors, especially in food preparation areas.
- Sanitation & Hygiene: Maintain impeccable cleanliness. Promptly clean up food spills, crumbs, and liquids. Regularly clean drains (especially for drain flies), food preparation surfaces, and storage areas. Pay attention to hidden areas where food debris might accumulate.
- Professional Pest Control: For persistent infestations or if you’re unsure about the type of fly you’re dealing with, contact a professional pest control service like Obsidian Environmental. We offer complete fly control packages designed to remove existing infestations and prevent further ones. Our BPCA-certified technicians can identify the specific fly species, locate breeding sites, and implement targeted, effective treatment methods tailored to your situation, often including discreet and effective fly control units.
When to call the fly experts
Don’t let flies tarnish your summer or your business. By understanding their habits and implementing proactive control measures, you can ensure your Central London property remains a clean, hygienic, and fly-free environment.
Contact Obsidian Environmental Services today for a professional solution to identify, treat and prevent against fly infestations using proven pest control tactics.
