How To Keep Maggots Out of Outside Trash Cans
Many households are plagued by maggots in outdoor trash cans. These unwelcome guests, the larvae of flies, not only indicate poor sanitation but also present numerous hygiene concerns.
In the warm, nutrient-rich environment provided by our garbage, they thrive. We'll tell you how to keep your outdoor trash cans maggot-free with our guide.
Understanding the maggots life cycle
The maggot life cycle starts with eggs laid in decaying matter. Then, the eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed voraciously.
After several molts and growth stages, the maggot enters a pupal phase, encased in a protective shell. Inside this pupa, the maggot metamorphoses into an adult fly. This entire cycle, from egg to adult, can take as little as a week in ideal conditions.
Why do I keep getting maggots in my trash can?
There's nothing worse than finding maggots in your trash can. You might get maggots in your trash for a variety of reasons:
Food waste
Leftover food and organic matter in the trash can attract flies, which lay eggs that hatch into maggots.
Lid not on or seal isn't tight
If your trash can is not properly sealed or lacks a lid, it becomes an easy target for flies to access and lay their eggs.
Warm and moist conditions
Studies show that maggots thrive in warm and moist conditions. If your trash can is kept in a warm area and contains moist organic matter, it creates a great environment for maggots.
Not enough emptying or cleaning
If trash is left to sit for too long, or if your dirty bins aren’t cleaned regularly, it increases the chances of a maggot infestation.
Season
Maggots are often worse in hotter seasons when adult flies are more active. That’s why the first place you find them in your garbage cans.
How to kill maggots
Keeping maggots at bay typically involves good hygiene practices and specific repellents. Having your trash bin cleaned can help get rid of maggots if you find them a lot.
Maggots are fly larvae, usually attracted to rotting organic matter. They thrive in warm weather, moist environments. Female flies can lay eggs in so many things found in garbage bins like rotting food sources, feces in a diaper, and meat scraps.
Here are some ways to repel maggots.
1. Hire a trash bin cleaning service
Hiring a professional trash bin cleaning service can be a highly effective way to manage maggot infestations and maintain overall hygiene.
Professional services use high-pressure washing systems that thoroughly clean and sanitize bins, removing residue that attracts maggots. Regular cleaning schedules save you time and effort, especially if you have large or multiple bins.
When choosing a trash bin cleaning company:
Check online reviews or ask for referrals from neighbors or local businesses to find a reliable service.
Ensure the service uses appropriate equipment and cleaning methods that won’t damage your bins or harm the environment.
Compare pricing and service plans. Some services offer one-time cleaning, while others provide regular maintenance plans.
Depending on the amount of waste generated, you might need monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly cleaning. Align the cleaning schedule with your trash collection days for convenience.
2. DIY repellents
Using DIY repellents is a cost-effective and immediate way to address maggot issues.
Create a mixture of water with a few drops of peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil. These scents repel flies.
A solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water can deter flies from laying eggs. Spray regularly inside and around the bin.
When using substances like boric acid or bleach, ensure you follow safety guidelines. Some substances might be corrosive or damaging to certain surfaces. Always do a patch test first.
3. Ongoing vigilance
Regular monitoring and preventative measures are key to stopping maggot infestations. Regularly inspect your bins for signs of maggots or flies. A foul smell is often an early indicator of a potential problem.
Combine professional bin cleaning with DIY repellents and ongoing vigilance to prevent maggot infestations. Keep your bins pest-free with regular cleaning, proper waste management, and a proactive approach.
What can I put in my trash can to prevent maggots?
Encountering maggots wriggling around in your trash can is an unpleasant experience that many wish to avoid. Fortunately, there are a few things you can put in your trash cans to keep these uninvited guests at bay.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in and around your trash can. It's a natural product that is safe for humans and pets but lethal to insects.
Garden lime or salt: Sprinkling garden lime or salt to remove smells from outdoor garbage cans and deter flies. Be cautious with garden lime if you have pets, as it can be harmful to them.
Herbs and essential oils: Some herbs and essential oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, can repel flies. You can place soaked cotton balls or small sachets in and around the trash can.
Frozen smelly scraps: If collection is infrequent, consider freezing food scraps (like meat or fish) until trash day. This prevents them from decomposing in the trash can and attracting flies.
Boric acid: Sprinkling a small amount of boric acid at the bottom of the trash can also help. It’s toxic to insects but generally safe around humans and pets in small quantities.
If you follow these steps, you'll be much less likely to get maggots in your trash can. Keep in mind that the key to getting rid of flies is to make their environment as unappealing as possible.
Does baking soda kill maggots in a trash can?
You can't kill maggots in a trash can with baking soda. Although it can absorb odors and make the environment less appealing for maggots, it doesn't kill them. It's better to use boiling water, insecticide, or even dish soap in a spray bottle for maggot infestations.
What can I spray on maggots to kill them?
Maggots can be killed with vinegar, boiling water, or pesticides designed to kill larvae. Prevent future infestations by addressing the underlying cause, like decomposing waste in your garbage bags.
What keeps flies away from an outside garbage can?
Keep flies away from outside trash cans by regularly cleaning them with disinfectant, sealing trash bags tightly, and covering the cans with lids. Additionally, placing fly repellent, such as hanging bags of water with pennies, essential oil diffusers with eucalyptus or lavender, or house fly traps nearby can be effective deterrents.
Are you in Prescott, Arizona? Book a cleaning service today
By combining professional bin cleaning services with DIY repellents and ongoing vigilance, you can effectively manage and prevent maggot infestations. Regular cleaning, proper waste management, and a proactive approach are key to keeping your bins pest-free.
Are you looking for someone to clean your dirty bins in Prescott? Send Joe and Victoria a message today at hi@beautyandthebins.com or call them at (928) 463-6193.
One-time cleaning for $45.
One wash every month at $25 per wash.
One wash bi-monthly at $30 per wash.
One wash quarterly at $35 per wash.