How to Prevent Maggots

Mother of maggots

Maggots are worm-like larvae found on decaying matter, in the garden and around the house, especially in warm weather. Maggots in the garden can cause a bad crop, whereas maggots elsewhere can be unpleasant to your senses. Prevention is the key to a maggot-free environment.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Rubber band or tie

Instructions

1. Allow susceptible crops such as corn or cole (broccoli, cabbage) to fully decompose for six to eight weeks to prevent maggots from infesting your plants.

2. Plant crops susceptible to flies in a newly prepared soil bed that has never been used. Ensure the soil temperature is appropriate for that particular crop by waiting until after the frost date, usually after May or June, before planting.

3. Use a shovel to dig an area far from your garden or house to bury any dead animals found in your yard. Bury them as soon as possible, especially if you have cats.

4. Prevent flies in your garbage bags by sealing them tightly with a rubber band or tie.

5. Throw sealed bags into a garbage container with a secure lid to prevent accessibility to domestic or wild animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorporate lindane or chlorpyrifos pesticide into the soil or bed before planting to kill maggots.

• Use crop rotation to reduce crop susceptibility to flies and other soil infestation problems.

• Use food grade diatomaceous earth or ground lime to eliminate maggots.

• Use pesticide only for intended purposes. Handle pesticide with gloves to avoid skin irritation.

References

• Yahoo Reference: Definition of Maggot
• UCDavis Education: Prevention and Control