Key Steps:
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Make sure your kitchen is as clean as possible – don’t leave out any uncovered food
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Regularly clean the bin, both inside and out
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Don’t leave your rubbish to linger – take the bin out as soon as it’s full
If you’ve emptied your rubbish bins, only to find maggots crawling around between the bin and the bag, you going to want to know how to eradicate the vile little creatures – and fast! The thought probably makes your stomach turn, but the problem’s more common than you might think – especially maggots in outside garbage cans. So what do you do now? Read on to learn tried-and-tested tips for how to stop maggots in rubbish bins.
Try to prevent maggots from finding their way into your bin by double wrapping any food or nappy waste – and if possible, move the wheelie bin out of direct sunlight!
What are Maggots?
Maggots are actually larvae that hatch from eggs laid by flies. They are part of the food chain and help to break down decomposing organic matter, like food scraps. In fact, they are pretty harmless to humans, but can reproduce incredibly quickly – a fly’s eggs can hatch and become adult flies within 24 hours of being laid. Their favourite food is meat and fish, but they like any environment that’s warm and moist and they seek these out using their sense of smell.
Getting Rid of Maggots in Bins: What to Do
Getting rid of maggots is actually pretty simple with these four easy steps:
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Dispose of the bin bag as quickly as possible
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Pour hot water over any remaining maggots to kill them
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Disinfect your bin thoroughly, using a good quality bleach like Domestos to destroy any remaining eggs. Always follow the directions on the label, and test any product in a small area first
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Ensure the bin lid is firmly closed and follow the prevention advice below
These tips could also help you get rid of ants and fruit flies in the bin.
How to Stop Maggots in Your Bin
Flies are naturally attracted to rubbish, but there are a number of ways you can minimize the maggots finding their way into your bin.
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Use bins that close firmly – avoid swing bins and overloading wheely bins, so that the lid does not shut properly
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Cover all food left out on your kitchen counter and use fly spray or fly papers in your home to keep it fly-free
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Rinse food packaging – including recyclable containers – before putting them into the bin
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Make sure food scraps are kept in a sealed container in the kitchen, or even the freezer, until they can be disposed of on rubbish collection day
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Wrap disposable nappies, the contents of litter trays or other pet waste, and meat or fish scraps before putting them in the bin
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In hot weather, empty your bin with greater frequency and store it in a cool place
Can maggots damage my property?
Maggots, the larvae of flies, are not typically known to cause direct damage to property. However, their presence is often an indicator of underlying issues, such as decaying organic matter or unsanitary conditions. Maggots are commonly found in garbage bins, rotting food, or animal carcasses. If left unchecked, they can contribute to foul odors and attract other pests. While maggots themselves may not directly damage property, addressing their presence is important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of disease. Proper waste management, regular cleaning, and timely disposal of organic waste can help prevent maggot infestations.
Can Maggots Make Me Sick?
Many people believe that maggots can make them sick with diseases such as food poisoning or other bacterial infections. While it is true that flies can transmit harmful bacteria such as salmonella or E.coli, maggots themselves are not known to cause diseases in humans. In fact, maggots can even be used for medical purposes, particularly in wound care. Medical maggots, also known as sterile blowfly larvae, can clean infected wounds by eating away the dead tissue, allowing the wound to heal faster. The misconception that maggots can make humans sick may have stemmed from the fact that they are often found in unsanitary conditions or in rotting food. Eating maggots or food infested with maggots can indeed cause food poisoning or stomach upset, as these conditions are caused by harmful bacteria present in the food. This is why it is important to practice good hygiene and food safety habits, such as properly storing and handling food, to prevent bacteria from growing in the first place. One thing to note is that being exposed to maggots can still pose a physical threat to humans. Maggots can be harmful to individuals who have an allergy to flies, as they can trigger an allergic reaction such as hives or asthma. Additionally, coming in contact with maggots can also cause a skin irritation or infection if they crawl onto an open wound. This is why it is important to avoid coming in contact with maggots in unsanitary conditions.
Following these tips will not only help to prevent maggots in your bin; it could also help you avoid bad smells in your home!
