Wriggling maggots in the garbage can is one of the most unpleasant sights that triggers disgust and discomfort. Cleaning them is also a huge challenge, as no one wants to deal with such filthy insects. These are the fly larvae that are in the second stage of their lifecycle, that is, after the egg and before they turn into flies.
Flies look for decomposing organic matter, on which they can lay eggs, and trash cans become their best breeding ground. This can make the environment stinky and, hence, needs to be gotten rid of as soon as possible. So, if you have maggot issues in your home, then this blog will help you get rid of maggots in the garbage can effectively.
What Causes Maggots in Your Garbage Cans?
Trash cans make the ideal environment for flies to lay eggs, especially if you have rotten food, vegetable peels, etc., in the can. The decomposing organic matter creates warm and humid conditions, giving out a rotten smell, which attracts flies.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Maggots in Garbage Cans
Here are some of the tried and tested methods to get rid of maggots inside the trash bins -
Bleach
Bleach is one of the best ingredients that you might find in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet that can help you eliminate maggot problems easily. It is often recommended to dilute the bleach before using. But if you are short on time, you can use them directly. To use bleach -
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Soak the paper towel in diluted or pure bleach.
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Gather the maggots crawling outside and crush them with the bleach-soaked paper towel.
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Once the outside is done, throw the paper towel inside the can and close the can for at least 10-15 minutes. This will allow the fumes to spread.
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Open the lid of the can and see if they have died, and once almost all the maggots have died, tie up the garbage bag and throw it away.
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Ensure to wash the bin thoroughly with disinfectant, and spray it again after the wash, and let it soak completely.
Boiling Water
Boiling water is another easy yet effective method of killing maggots. All you need to do is boil the water and pour it over the maggot, so that they don’t survive. Allow the water to cool, and then dispose of the garbage bag. Lastly, disinfect the garbage can so that the odor and any germs left behind are no longer there.
Vinegar and Hot Water
Water doesn’t have to be boiling to kill maggots, as you can also pour water hot enough not to burn your finger. It works even more when you add vinegar to it, as it eliminates them and also deodorizes the trash cans, which makes the environment unsuitable for maggots to return.
To use vinegar and hot water -
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Mix one part of white vinegar with three parts of hot water.
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Pour the mixture into the trash can.
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Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes and close the lid.
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Once the maggots have died, throw them away and rinse the can properly.
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Lastly, spray the can with vinegar solution to disinfect and deodorize the bin.
Freezing
You can freeze the larvae and kill the maggot. For this, you need to put the bin into the freezer. However, this process does not work for large bins. So, if you have a smaller bin and a big freezer, this can be the best option, as you don’t have to deal directly with the maggots.
Also, if you live in a region with immense cold, then all you need to do is leave the trash can outside, and the freezing temperature will do the job.
Salt and Lime Powder Mixture
Salt is the best way to kill maggots, as it dries them up, and when mixed with lime powder, the mixture becomes more potent. Mix an equal amount of both products and sprinkle on the maggots, and leave it for a few minutes, and close the lid.
Check after some time if the maggots have died. If not, add a second layer of the mixture. You can either make the mixture at home or you can buy pre-mixed powder that is readily available in the market.
How to Prevent Maggots in Your Garbage Can?
If you take preventive measures, these maggots are unlikely to appear in your trash can again. Here are some ways to do that -
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Make sure you separate the food scraps and recycle them. This helps keep the insects at bay.
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If you host a dinner party, which usually generates lots of leftover food, consider taking out the trash the same night. Also, if you have leftover food during normal days, don’t let it be inside the house for long.
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Clean and wash the food containers, including jelly jars, to prevent flies from laying eggs inside them.
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Clean the trash can to keep it fresh and smelling good. This will keep the maggots at bay. Use a homemade sanitizing solution and wipe the can inside out every few weeks.
If you have an outdoor trash can, ensure the garbage bags are sealed properly and not kept in the area that receives direct sunlight in the yard. This is because heat speeds up the decomposition process and emits a strong odor, which attracts flies.
