Effective Ways to Control Flies on Your Food Truck

chef fighting flies in his food truck.

A Complete Guide for Flying Pest Control

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Running a food truck brings a unique set of challenges, and keeping flies away is at the top of the list. Not only are flies annoying, but they can also carry bacteria, putting your food and customers at risk. Fortunately, with a few strategic changes and key products, you can keep your food truck environment fly-free. Here’s how.

1. Ensure Immaculate Cleanliness

One of the best defenses against flies is simply keeping your food truck spotless. Flies are drawn to food debris, grease, and even small spills.

Actionable Step:
Make cleanliness a priority by creating a detailed cleaning schedule. Wipe down counters frequently, especially during busy service times. Pay attention to grills, sinks, and surfaces that may accumulate grease. Mop the floors regularly and empty trash bins often, ensuring all food scraps and waste are securely stored in sealed containers.

Pro Tip: After each service, do a deep clean of your food truck’s interior to prevent lingering food odors that attract flies.

Expected Results:
With fewer food sources, you’ll naturally see a decrease in fly activity.

2. Use Fly-Repellent Fans for Prevention

Fly-repellent fans are a highly effective and non-toxic way to keep flies at bay. These fans create a light breeze, making it difficult for flies to land on or near your food prep areas.

Actionable Step:
Place these fans near open windows, serving counters, and food prep areas where flies tend to gather. By creating constant airflow, flies will struggle to land on food or surfaces.

Product Suggestion:
Consider adding a Fly-Repellent Fan to your setup for efficient fly deterrence.

Expected Results:
You’ll see an immediate reduction in flies trying to settle near food, improving both hygiene and customer experience.

3. Set Up Sticky Fly Traps 🪤

Sticky traps are an easy and cost-effective solution for capturing flies. Hang them strategically in areas where flies tend to enter or linger.

Actionable Step:
Install sticky traps near your truck’s entrances, windows, or other areas where flies might be able to enter. You can also place them near trash bins or food waste disposal areas. Be sure to replace them regularly, especially during warmer months when flies are more active.

Product Suggestion:
Use these Fly Sticky Traps to control fly populations.

Expected Results:
These traps will silently catch any flies that enter, keeping them away from your food prep areas and ensuring they don’t become a problem.

4. Utilize Essential Oil Fly Repellents 🌿🍋

Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus act as natural fly repellents. Their strong scents mask the odors that attract flies and are safe to use around food.

Actionable Step:
Make a natural fly repellent by mixing water with a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or peppermint. Spray this around your truck’s entrance, windows, and serving area to create a fragrant barrier that flies won’t want to cross. If DIY isn’t your thing, opt for a pre-made essential oil spray.

Product Suggestion:
Check out this Natural Fly Repellent Spray to keep flies at bay.

Expected Results:
Using natural repellents will keep your food truck fly-free and smelling fresh without the need for harsh chemicals, providing a safer environment for food handling.

5. Manage Waste and Trash Effectively 🚮🦠

Improperly handled trash is like a buffet for flies. They are particularly attracted to decaying food, making trash bins a prime hotspot.

Actionable Step:
Invest in heavy-duty, sealed trash bins to store waste. Keep your trash bins outside the food truck and at least 10 feet away from the main entrance to avoid attracting flies into your service area. Empty the bins frequently, especially during peak service times, to prevent buildup that draws flies.

Product Suggestion:
A Sealed Trash Bin will ensure that flies can’t access your food waste.

Expected Results:
Properly managing your waste will drastically reduce fly attraction, leaving your truck cleaner and less prone to infestations.

6. Install Magnetic or Mesh Screen Doors 🧲🚪

Food trucks often have open doors or windows for serving, which can invite flies inside. A simple fix is to install mesh or magnetic screen doors that allow airflow but block flies.

Actionable Step:
Install a magnetic or mesh screen door at the truck’s entrance. These screens close automatically behind you, preventing flies from entering while allowing air to circulate. They’re easy to install and maintain, making them an excellent long-term solution.

Product Suggestion:
Consider a Magnetic Mesh Screen Door to keep flies out.

Expected Results:
With a screen in place, flies will be unable to enter your truck, while you continue to enjoy the breeze during service.

7. Bonus Tip: Use DIY Fly Traps 🛠️

For a more hands-on approach, you can create your own fly traps using common household items. DIY fly traps are inexpensive, and you can place them around your truck for added protection.

Actionable Step:
To make a simple fly trap, fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. The flies will be attracted to the scent, and once they land, they’ll be trapped by the soapy solution.

Expected Results:
A cost-effective way to capture flies and reduce their numbers around your truck.


Conclusion: Fly Control for a Clean and Safe Food Truck

Keeping flies away from your food truck requires a combination of cleanliness, prevention strategies, and using the right tools. By incorporating fly-repellent fans, sticky traps, natural repellents, and effective waste management, you can create a more hygienic environment that benefits both you and your customers.

Make sure to check out the recommended products to get started. Please note: Clicking on an affiliate link and purchasing a product may provide a financial benefit to Macon Ranch.

This post is part of a regular series. Please use these links to view the rest of the series in order.

Want to get the E-Book that this series is based on?

Get our E-Book about starting a food truck for free. We will send it to you via email once the series is completed.