Offices are notoriously difficult to maintain. Most areas within the space experience constant high traffic and with different people utilizing rooms, there is barely any time to clean up spills, vacuum dirt, and sanitize. 

There is no denying how shared space maintenance is a behemoth of a task. Plenty of moving parts are involved, and some to-dos can easily be put by the wayside. Unfortunately, the consequences of an unkempt workspace can be dire and serious. There are several tell-tale signs that an office is in serious need of a better maintenance routine. This may include a build of mold and water stains. Arguably, the grossest and most alarming is the presence of fruit flies. 

Fruit flies might not be as universally hated as their more aggressive cousins, the mosquito. But they can still carry a host of different problems, especially in such a confined space as an office. 

In this article, learn all about dealing with fruit flies – the health risks they carry, and the best way to get rid of them.

Health Risks of Fruit Flies in the Office

Fruit flies aren’t just a nuisance that can ruin a perfectly planned picnic. While there is no doubt that their presence is bothersome, having these pests in your office can carry a host of health risks that put your employees in danger.

Fruit flies thrive in the moistest, and damp environments. This means that they can usually be found in trash bins, compost piles, and drains. Since their bodies are mostly covered with a thick layer of hair, fruit flies tend to carry germs and bacteria from their surroundings. They can transmit these pathogens and spread diseases.

In such an enclosed area as an office, this heightens the risk of infection and contagion. With more employees getting sick, this can drastically put a dent in your company’s productivity and staff morale.

Fruit Fly Prevention

As they say, prevention is better than cure. This rings true when it comes to fruit flies in your office. Thankfully, there are simple things that you can do to keep them out of the space:

Implement Strict Pantry Guidelines

Fruit flies prefer places where they have easy access to food. Your pantry would be their obvious choice. Creating strict pantry guidelines ensures that you don’t have to deal with these pests.

Ideally, the rules should include how often the pantry is cleaned and cleared out. Any food or receptacles remaining would be properly disposed of. If this isn’t possible, ask employees to bring food that can be stored in airtight containers.

Fruit flies get their names for a reason. The more leftover food you have, the higher the chance fruit flies would call your office home. 

Clean Out Garbage Receptacles Frequently

Similar to having food out in the open, fruit flies also thrive in trash bins. An easy way to prevent an infestation is to make sure your trash is taken out regularly. In bigger offices, this might mean throwing out the garbage several times a day.

If possible, invest in trash cans that have a lid and are made from material that is easy to clean. Replace them accordingly. 

Clean Up Spills Promptly

As their name suggests, fruit flies are attracted to and intoxicated by the smell of fruit. They have a very acute sense of smell and they can detect the presence of food from long distances. With that said, it is best to address any spills right away. 

Install Screen Doors and Windows  

You are better off investing little maintenance funds on ensuring that fruit flies don’t infiltrate your office than dealing with getting rid of them. Screen doors with 16-panel tight meshes are enough to keep them out. This small investment can do wonders for your office. It allows your employees to enjoy a little bit of fresh air without running the risk of pest infestation. Truly, the best of both worlds! 

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in Your Office

So what if you already have fruit flies in the office? This isn’t the ideal scenario. But don’t fret! There are solutions to this sticky problem!

Identify their Breeding Grounds

The first thing that your team needs to do to get rid of fruit flies is to figure out their breeding place. This first step can already mitigate the problem immensely. Their breeding grounds can vary from case to case.

Check for any unaddressed spills or rotting food in the pantry. Clean your rags, mops, and any other maintenance tools. Don’t forget the drains! 

Deep Clean your Drains and Office Garbage Disposal

Cleaning your office drains and garbage disposal is a simpler task than you think. You can pour hot water into the pipes to kill the fruit flies. Likewise, you can tape a plastic bag over the drain. As adult flies try to come out at night, they’ll be trapped within the bag. 

Make Traps

You can use various household products to make effective traps for fruit flies. Just ensure that you place these traps around the area you see them most. Here are a few of the most commonly used fruit fly traps: 

• Wine Trap

• Vinegar Trap
• Fruit Trap

Call in the Help of Professionals

If all else fails, and your fruit fly problem has gotten out of control, it is best to hand off the problem to professionals. Experts would know exactly what to do. They can also help you figure out a plan to ensure these pests do not come back. 

Remember: fruit flies are symptoms of a bigger problem. The presence of these pests in your office is a sign that you need to level up your cleanliness and maintenance protocols. After all, as a business owner, it is your responsibility to keep your employees safe and happy. A dirty workspace is an exact opposite of what they need.

As mentioned earlier, office maintenance is a full-time job. If you need maintenance help for your New London County, Connecticut office, Burgos Commercial Cleaning should be your first and only call. From simple carpet cleaning to a full office deep clean, we have got you covered! Reach out to us and learn more about what we have to offer!