As temperatures rise across Australia, so does fly activity. In hospitality venues, flies quickly become more than just an annoyance — they affect hygiene standards, customer comfort, and your venue's reputation. Whether you operate a café, restaurant, bar, or commercial kitchen, controlling flies is essential for maintaining food safety and guest satisfaction.
The good news is that with proven preventative measures and the right equipment, you can significantly reduce fly problems this summer. Below, we cover practical strategies to keep flies out, explain how commercial bug zappers work, and highlight why they're essential for Australian hospitality venues.
Key Takeaways
- Flies are attracted to food residue, moisture, and waste — cleanliness is your first defence
- Commercial bug zappers provide chemical-free, continuous fly control
- Apuro bug zappers are designed specifically for high-traffic hospitality environments
- Combining sanitation practices with effective equipment delivers the best results
Proven Tips to Reduce Flies in Your Hospitality Venue

Keeping flies out of your venue requires a combination of strict cleanliness protocols and smart environmental control. Here are the most effective strategies used by successful Australian hospitality operators:
1. Keep All Surfaces Clean and Dry
Flies are drawn to food scraps, spills, and sugary residues. Even small amounts left on benches or floors can attract them within minutes.
- Wipe down workspaces frequently throughout service
- Sanitise counters, tables, and food-prep areas after each shift
- Cover sweet foods, fruit displays, and pastries when not actively serving
- Clean up spills immediately, especially sticky liquids
Maintaining spotless surfaces is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to reduce fly activity. Browse our commercial cleaning chemicals for food-safe sanitising solutions.
2. Manage Waste Properly

Exposed rubbish is a breeding ground for flies. A single bin left uncovered can attract dozens of flies within hours.
- Use bins with tight-fitting, sealed lids at all times
- Empty bins before they overflow, especially during hot weather
- Store waste bins away from dining areas and food-prep zones
- Clean bin interiors and surrounding areas regularly
Proper waste management not only reduces flies but also improves overall venue hygiene and odour control.
3. Improve Door and Window Control
Open doors and windows are the main entry points for flies. Controlling access is critical during peak fly season.
- Install automatic door closers to minimise the time doors stay open
- Use mesh screens on windows and doors where ventilation is needed
- Consider air curtains for high-traffic entrances
- Keep outdoor dining areas free from food waste and spills
4. Store Food Correctly

Uncovered food is an open invitation to flies. Proper food storage protects ingredients and reduces contamination risk.
- Keep all food covered with lids, wraps, or protective covers
- Refrigerate perishable ingredients when not actively in use
- Use sealed containers for bread, pastries, fruit, and other exposed items
- Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent access
Investing in quality food storage containers pays off through reduced waste and better hygiene compliance.
5. Install an Effective Fly-Control Device
Even with excellent sanitation practices, flies will still attempt to enter your venue during summer. This is where commercial bug zappers provide essential backup protection.
Apuro bug zappers offer continuous, chemical-free fly control that works around the clock to keep your venue protected.
How Apuro Bug Zappers Work

Apuro bug zappers use proven UV light technology to attract and eliminate flying insects. Here's the process:
- The unit emits high-intensity UV light that attracts flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects
- Insects fly toward the light source and reach the internal electric grid
- They are instantly neutralised upon contact with the grid
- Insect remains fall into an easy-clean removable collection tray
This provides completely chemical-free, food-safe protection that works continuously without requiring staff intervention.
Benefits of Apuro Bug Zappers for Australian Hospitality Venues
1. Commercial-Grade Strength
Apuro bug zappers are built specifically for cafés, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and commercial kitchens. Unlike domestic units, they're designed to handle long service hours and high insect volumes with consistent performance throughout summer.
2. Quiet and Odour-Free Operation
The units operate silently without distracting buzzing sounds. There are no chemical smells or fumes, making them ideal for dining rooms, open kitchens, and customer-facing areas where ambience matters.
3. Low Maintenance Requirements
The removable collection tray makes cleaning quick and straightforward. Simply slide out the tray, empty it, wipe clean, and slide back in. This design is perfect for busy hospitality environments where staff time is limited.
4. Chemical-Free Fly Control
No sprays, no toxic fumes, and zero contamination risk to food or food-prep surfaces. Apuro bug zappers are completely safe to use in all commercial kitchen areas, meeting Australian food safety standards.
Pair your bug zapper with quality benchtop equipment to create a complete, hygienic food-prep environment.
5. Available in Multiple Sizes
Apuro offers units in Small, Medium, and Large capacities to suit different venue types and coverage areas:
| Size | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Small | Counters, prep areas, takeaway stores |
| Medium | Cafés, small restaurants, bakeries |
| Large | Dining rooms, clubs, bars, commercial kitchens |
6. Simple "Plug and Forget" Operation
Installation is straightforward — simply mount the unit in the desired location, plug it in, and it starts working immediately. Dependable performance continues all summer long with minimal intervention required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bug Zappers
Do bug zappers help reduce flies in hospitality venues?
Yes. Commercial bug zappers significantly reduce flying insect populations, especially when combined with proper sanitation and food storage practices. They provide continuous protection that manual methods cannot match.
Are Apuro bug zappers safe to use near food?
Yes. They use only UV light and contain no chemicals or sprays, making them completely safe for use in commercial kitchens and food-prep areas. They meet Australian food safety standards.
What size bug zapper should I choose for my venue?
Choose based on your coverage area and venue type. Small units work well for café and coffee shop counters, medium units suit small dining rooms, and large units are ideal for full-service restaurants, bars, and commercial kitchens.
How often should I clean the bug zapper?
Most venues clean their bug zappers weekly during normal operation. High-traffic kitchens or venues experiencing heavy fly activity may need to clean them more frequently during peak summer months.
Can bug zappers be used outdoors?
Many Apuro models are suitable for indoor use and sheltered outdoor areas such as covered patios. Always check individual product specifications to ensure the unit is appropriate for your intended location.
Do bug zappers attract more insects into the venue?
No. Bug zappers only attract insects within their immediate effective range. When positioned correctly, they eliminate flies before they reach food-prep areas or dining spaces, rather than drawing new insects from outside.
Quick Setup Tips
- Position bug zappers away from food-prep surfaces but within the room you want to protect
- Mount units at a height of 1.5–2 metres for optimal effectiveness
- Avoid placing directly above food or dining tables
- Use multiple units for large venues or open-plan spaces
Keep Your Venue Fly-Free This Summer
A clean, well-maintained venue paired with reliable bug-control technology will dramatically reduce fly activity and create a more enjoyable dining experience for your customers.
Whether you operate a busy restaurant, café, bar, or commercial kitchen, an Apuro bug zapper helps you maintain professional hygiene standards and a fly-free environment throughout the hottest months.
Combine your bug zapper with quality stainless steel work benches and proper waste storage bins to create a complete hygiene system that keeps flies away for good.
Ready to protect your venue? Browse our complete range of commercial pest control equipment and find the right solution for your hospitality business today.


