The key is not only to respond, but to make sure maggots never even think of checking in again. Here’s how:
Keep Trash Bags Sealed Tight:
Loose trash = buffet. Tie your garbage bags tight. Double bag meat or fish scraps, if necessary.
Freeze the Nasty Stuff:
Sounds weird, but it works. If meat or rapidly spoiling food is headed to the trash, block the smell by freezing it all in a plastic bag the night before pickup and then tossing it in the bin in the morning.
Rinse the Bin Often:
Yeah, it’s annoying. But one quick rinse with water and vinegar once a week can stop the build-up of gunk and odors flies are attracted to.
Use Trash Bin Liners:
Liners are an easier way to clean up after your dog and to prevent leaking that becomes maggot heaven.
Keep the Lid Closed:
It sounds obvious, but even leaving the lid cracked gives flies an opportunity to crawl in. Always snap it shut.
DE/Diatomaceous Earth or Bay Leaves:
Add a dusting of diatomaceous earth (DE) or toss in a couple of bay leaves in there. Both are hated by flies as well, and DE also kills larvae by dehydrating them.
Citrus Peel or Essential Oil:
Flies, it turns out, don’t care for strong, scented things like lemon, eucalyptus and peppermint. Throw some citrus peels in the bin or set a cotton ball doused with essential oil near the rim.
Quick Tip for Hot Weather
When things get hot, maggot infestations soar. In warm weather, consider spraying the inside of your trash can once a week with a mix of diluted bleach or vinegar. This deters odors and flies from settling in.
Maggots in the garbage bin are not an indication you’re unclean; it’s nature being unpleasant. Well, now you know how to get control back. Boiling water when it’s bad. Vinegar and salt as backups. Prevention tricks like sealed bags and bin liners. And perhaps you throw in a slice of citrus peel just for fanciness.
Truly, no one wants to be an exterminator every garbage day. You have more important things to do.
