Tools and Techniques

The treatment process for small flies differs by species and can use multiple products and control tactics. According to the 2026 PCT State of Small Fly Control Market survey, 88% of those polled use drain foams or gels.

Another 75% use insect growth regulators (IGRs) while 72% employ various types of traps. Adulticides are used by 64% of those surveyed, followed by 59% who use bacterial or microbial cleaners, and 43% who focus on physical sanitation and deep cleaning.

Fans were the only other type of control method mentioned in the survey, with 6% saying they use them.

Lenz Pest Control’s Shreve said his company promotes drain cleaning combined with bio-enzymatic drain products. “Drain foam and bio cleaners can do a very good job of breaking down the organic material that small flies breed in,” he said. “We also use fly lights in commercial accounts because they help monitor activity levels and reduce adult fly populations.

“The most important part is identifying the breeding source and making sure the sanitation side is handled. You can have the best product in the world, but if the customer does not clean up the source, the flies will keep coming back.” He added that fly lights are valuable monitoring tools, while drain foams and bio cleaners are often more effective than spraying adult flies because they target the breeding source rather than just the visible infestation.

Suburban Pest Control’s Best said the industry is increasingly shifting toward biological and enzymatic products that break down the organic biofilm where small flies breed, often in combination with insect growth regulators (IGRs) and light or glue traps. Nieves of BHB said his company is also embracing the growing use of biocleaners across the industry. He uses bio-cleaners in lieu of soap or bleach in mopping water, which he said turns your mop into your “best friend.”

McNall of Mosquito Squad Plus of the Mid-Atlantic said fly traps and baits remain essential tools for effective small fly control. He also relies on foam products because they allow technicians to treat areas even when the exact breeding site hasn’t been identified. As the foam expands and dissipates, it leaves the active product behind in key harborage areas, providing more targeted control.

Highley of Environmental Pest Control said no single product is a silver bullet and that effective small fly management requires a well-rounded toolbox of solutions.