How to Conduct a Proper Inspection

Before entering any premises, the inspection should begin with a thorough check of the surrounding area. This inspection of the exterior perimeter of the premises is essential, as many of the flies found inside enter as adults. Their juvenile stages are often passed outside the buildings. Therefore, for a complete and long-lasting control effort, larval feeding sites must be located and treated appropriately.

Before beginning the inspection, it is often very helpful to ask for an opinion on the state of the infestation, whether real or suspected, from those who work inside and around the premises to be inspected. It is vital to involve the staff, as the information they can provide is invaluable.

Points to Consider During a Fly Control Inspection

a) Which areas might be of interest to the flies – larvae or adults?

b) Where are the doors leading outside the building, and how often are they opened?

c) Are there possible sources of flying insects nearby, such as farms, poultry sheds, landfills, watercourses, etc.?

d) Does the site you are inspecting emit any odors that might attract flying insects, such as jam, pastry, slaughterhouses, recycling areas, etc.?

e) Where are the critical contamination areas inside the facility?

f) Take note of areas with significant rainfall, washing, sewage, or areas that might be used as a substrate by psychodids.

g) Check that there are window and door screens, ensure they are intact, and inquire if they are opened during the warm season. It is very common to find that they are opened because people believe screens reduce the flow of fresh air.

h) Areas where products are packaged and wrapped are particularly vulnerable and need to be thoroughly inspected.

i) Where are empty containers stored? Often, empty containers collect dead insects, etc.

At the end of the inspection, it is advisable to verify the life cycles of the flies found to outline an effective control strategy.