Matt
Fond of decomposing waste, flies find their happiness at the bottom of your outdoor trash bin, especially during periods of high heat. They lay their eggs in your trash, which hatch into maggots. That’s how you end up with an invasion of small white worms. Discover how to banish maggots from your wheeled trash bin.
Hot Water
The simplest trick to get rid of maggots is hot water. Indeed, these white larvae cannot withstand boiling water.
To do this, first empty your trash bin carefully and pour boiling water into it, making sure to cover the bottom of the bin. Then pour the water into your sink using a filter to collect the dead maggots and dispose of them in a garbage bag. Finally, mix some dish soap with boiling water and clean the walls of your trash bin with a brush. Make sure to thoroughly dry your bin in the open air or under the sun to avoid moisture, which promotes maggot infestation.
Once your bin is completely dry, choose a suitable trash bag and secure it to the top of your bin using an elastic band to prevent it from slipping and to prevent waste from slipping between the bag and the bin. In fact, waste should not land at the bottom of the bin because even waterproof trash bags have a certain level of porosity that can make the bottom of your bin damp. This accelerates the decomposition of the waste outside the bag and creates a favorable environment for maggot infestation.
Salt
Another natural alternative is to pour a layer of salt into the bottom of the trash bin and then collect the dead maggots using a filter and dispose of them in a garbage bag.
Cleaning the
To prevent maggots from infesting your trash bin, it’s important to empty it regularly and keep it clean, especially in hot weather. You can use various products for this purpose.
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda into the bin and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. It helps absorb odors and moisture. Afterward, scrub the bin with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution inside the bin and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the bin with a brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
- Bleach Solution: Dilute bleach with water following the instructions on the bleach bottle. Apply the solution to the inside of the bin, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Scrub the bin thoroughly with a brush or sponge, then rinse it well to remove any residue. Take caution when using bleach, as it may cause discoloration or damage to certain materials.
- Eco-friendly Cleaners: There are commercially available eco-friendly cleaners specifically designed for cleaning trash bins. These products are formulated to remove odors and grime effectively while being safe for the environment.
After cleaning, make sure to dry the bin completely before placing a new trash bag inside. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can attract flies and maggots. Regularly maintaining cleanliness and practicing proper waste disposal habits will significantly reduce the chances of maggot infestations in your trash bin.
