Unlike other insects, such as mosquitoes, which transmit disease directly, diseases transmitted by flies are indirect, as they do not bite. The WHO reports that flies are the cause of illnesses such as diarrhea and skin and eye infections.
It has also been proven that flies can transmit pathogens from food, as well as their toxins and antibiotic resistance. Areas close to slaughterhouses are at higher risk of fly-borne diseases.
Houseflies transmit these diseases:
- Anger
- Conjunctivitis
- stomach flu
- salmonellosis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Dysentery
- shigellosis
How do they transmit diseases?
Flies usually feed on rotten matter as well as animal feces. When a fly comes into contact with a food source infected by bacteria, viruses or parasites, these accumulate in its esophagus or digestive tract.
Unlike other pests, flies can only feed on liquid or semi-liquid substances because they don’t have teeth that allow them to chew or bite. When they encounter solid food, flies regurgitate a liquid made up of saliva and digestive juices, which break down food molecules to form a liquid substance, allowing them to eat it. Due to this habit, any microorganisms living in your esophagus will be transmitted to the point of consumption.
Likewise, bacteria that live in your digestive tract can infect food when you defecate in it.
Flies can also transmit pathogens through direct contact. Houseflies can become infected with pathogens in their feeding areas as well as their mating places, which is why houseflies can pick up particles with bacteria and viruses in the tiny hairs on their feet and body. When a fly lands on a product for human consumption, or any other product, any associated pathogens can easily be transmitted in their landings.
How can you get infected by flies?
The most common form of transmission is through contaminated food or drink. You can get sick from consuming any food or drink a fly has: regurgitated, defecated, urinated on, or simply landed. The transmission of the disease can also occur through contaminated cutlery or kitchen utensils.
One can get sick from direct contact or from touching an infected product and then touching our eyes, wounds or scratches.
How to prevent diseases transmitted by flies?
Prevention can be achieved by taking proactive steps to reduce the presence of flies inside and outside your home or business.
Hygiene
By following proper food hygiene practices we can help prevent the spread of disease, you can do this by making sure that:
- Store the ingredients in a hygienic way and wash the fruits and vegetables very well before consuming them.
- Wash before and after using utensils, cutlery and glasses.
- Maintain kitchens and food processing equipment to a high standard of hygiene.
By working in accordance with food industry standards and regulations, we will help to eliminate the spread of disease caused by flies. At the same time, it will help you make your business less attractive to flies, reducing the risks of spreading disease.
remove breeding sites
Common fly breeding sites such as garbage cans, dead animal remains, and droppings are a major source of fly-borne illnesses. By eliminating and treating these areas, we will reduce the risk of contaminating flies with microorganisms and at the same time reduce the fly population.
trash
Proper waste management should be carried out to ensure that containers do not overflow and are emptied regularly. Dumpsters should be securely closed at all times and these units should be cleaned regularly.
excrement
Bathrooms should be cleaned regularly and plumbing should be flowing freely to avoid problems. Screens must be used on all openings and drains to prevent flies from entering our facility.
professional fly control
The most efficient way to prevent disease is with the help of pest control professionals. A professional exterminator can provide a proactive service with solutions for controlling and preventing fly infestations.
Arod Bugster 30
arod bugster 30
Arod Bugster is the new line of traps for catching flying insects developed to exterminate flies hygienically and effectively, eliminating the risk of contamination. This new fly control solution uses patented technology Philips Actinic Dryness which has a lifespan of 15,000 hours of use, increasing the coverage area.
Do you need help with fly infestations? Do not hesitate to contact us on WhatsApp, we are here to serve you.