How to Prevent Maggots in Your Trash

There are a few steps you can take to keep maggots out of your trash.

There are few sights that will make your stomach turn like opening up your garbage can and seeing little white maggots crawling everywhere. A maggot infestation is the result of a fly laying its eggs in your trash can. The key to preventing maggots in your trash is to make the can an inhospitable environment for the flies that make the maggots.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• White vinegar
• Water
• Newspaper
• Garbage bag
• Soil

Instructions

1. Clean your trash can. Flies are attracted by the odor of old and rotten food. Develop a routine in which you clean your trash can each week after the garbage is collected. Use a scrub brush to clean the inside surfaces of the garbage can with a water and vinegar mixture. Leave the can in the sun to dry or dry it with a towel after you have cleaned it.

2. Place newspapers or other types of paper --- like pizza boxes --- on the bottom of your trash can. These will absorb any liquid that might spill to the bottom of the can.

3. Line the garbage can with a plastic garbage bag. In addition to reducing the amount of food or liquid that gets on the can itself, a bag that fits tightly will make it more difficult for flies to crawl inside of the can.

4. Place a thin layer of dirt over each layer of waste. The dirt will suppress the odors that attract flies.

5. Seal food in a plastic bag before disposing of it in the garbage can. Leave food in the garbage can for as little time as possible. If it must be in there for several days, sealing it in a plastic bag will reduce the odor that attracts flies.

6. Store your garbage can in a well-ventilated area.

References

• City of Hamilton Public Works: Maggot Control
• How to Get Rid of Things: How to Get Rid of Maggots