Soho has more kitchens per acre than anywhere in Britain, nearly all of them working out of cramped basements with waste stored at street level overnight. That combination — food below ground, refuse on the pavement, buildings sharing party walls — makes it the hardest square mile in London for rodent and cockroach control, and the reason almost all our Soho work happens between closing and opening.
Flies in Soho
House flies, fruit flies, and drain flies spread disease and contaminate food in London properties. For a full breakdown of the species, the health risks and every treatment option, see our flies guide — or browse everything we treat across Westminster.
Why Soho sees them
- Extreme density of commercial kitchens
- Street-level overnight waste storage
- Shared party walls between premises
- Treatment restricted to a few hours before opening
Signs to look for
- Adult flies around food/waste areas
- Maggots in organic matter
- Dark spots (fly specks) on surfaces
- Increased activity around bins
- Buzzing sounds
How we treat flies here
Integrated approach using traps, residual sprays, and breeding site elimination
Properties in Soho are typically basement restaurant kitchens, bars and late-night venues, flats above commercial premises, which shapes how we approach access and proofing. Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Areas we cover
Other pests we treat in Soho
Fly Control nearby
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat flies in Soho?
We reach most addresses in Soho within 20 minutes, covering W1D, W1F. For flies specifically we aim to attend within 24 hours of your call, and we run a 24/7 line for urgent cases.
How much does fly treatment cost?
Flies treatment starts from £149. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.
How do I know if I have flies?
The most reliable signs are: Adult flies around food/waste areas; Maggots in organic matter; Dark spots (fly specks) on surfaces; Increased activity around bins. If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — flies rarely resolve on their own.
How do you treat flies?
Integrated approach using traps, residual sprays, and breeding site elimination Our success rate on flies is 88%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Are flies dangerous?
Flies are rated medium risk. The main health concerns are disease transmission (over 100 pathogens), food contamination, salmonella and e.coli spread. They can also cause food spoilage and contamination.
How can I stop flies coming back?
Proper waste management; Install fly screens; Eliminate breeding sites. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.
Why are flies common in Soho?
Extreme density of commercial kitchens, and Street-level overnight waste storage. Combined with the local property mix — basement restaurant kitchens and bars and late-night venues — this gives flies the harbourage and access they need.
Do you cover the whole of Soho?
Yes. We cover every street in Soho across W1D, W1F, including Old Compton Street, Berwick Street Market, Carnaby Street. Call 07727 053568 to book.

