What Diseases Can Flies Spread?

Flies are a nuisance and are unpleasant to have around, but they are more than just that. They are a significant vector for disease, which is why it is so important to control flies, both in and outside of your business, especially if your business includes food preparation, or people are eating and drinking.

Flies are attracted to trash, ripe or rotting produce, meats, salts, and feces. They dine on these substances, which are often spoiled or rotting, carrying pathogens with them. Unlike some insects that are carriers for disease in their systems, transmitting them through bites or scratches, flies transfer disease through contact. Flies are known for leaving vomit or feces when they land on a surface. Given that flies tend to land on food or in drinks, the likelihood of spreading disease increases.

What we know so far about the Diseases Flies can carry

At this point in time, researchers are not sure of all diseases transmitted by flies. It is known that flies carry around 65 different illnesses that can impact people, but they may be responsible for transmitting an even greater number of diseases. Diseases commonly carried by flies include parasitic worms, dysentery, food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera, salmonella, tuberculosis, typhoid, and even anthrax. They also carry eye infections like trachoma or epidemic conjunctivitis, poliomyelitis, and some skin infections.

Keeping diseased flies out of your Business

Keeping flies out of your business is one way to halt the spread of disease by flies. Keeping doors and windows closed, using window screens, and ensuring that cracks, crevices, and weatherstripping or other sealants are properly functioning helps prevent them from entering, but we all know this is not always possible for a business because people are in and out of the premises. Every time a door opens, it creates an opportunity for flies to enter.

Flick has solutions targeted to your business’ needs, whether it’s flying insect units, or our innovative digital SMART sense system targeting cockroaches and months. We can provide the help you need with a tailored solution for your business so you can concentrate on your customers – not the pests.