How to Keep Flies & Maggots Out of Trash Cans

Keep cans as clean as possible to prevent flies and maggots.

Flies are naturally attracted to odors coming from trash cans. If flies are able to get into the cans, they will lay eggs on the garbage and these eggs will eventually become maggots. This can become a real, and unpleasant, problem when weather warms and flies are active. Flies and maggots in trash cans are not inevitable, however. There are a few things you can do to prevent this kind of infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Garden hose
• Sponge
• Towel
• Trash can liners

Instructions

Indoor Trash Cans

1. Empty the indoor trash can. Fill it halfway full of water. Add 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap per gallon of water.

2. Scrub it with a sponge to completely clean off all debris, inside and out. Dry it with a towel.

3. Put a trash can liner in the trash can. This will keep the can's surfaces cleaner. Keep the lid tightly closed.

4. Seal food waste in bags before disposing of them in the trash can. Then, empty the trash can at least once a week, or every other day if it contains food garbage -- especially meat or fruit.

Outdoor Trash Cans

1. Rinse out outdoor trash cans with your garden hose once a week, or each time garbage is collected.

2. Scrub the insides of the trash can with a scrubbing brush, if grime has collected on the walls. Rinse again and allow the trash can to air dry.

3. Seal trash bags tightly before throwing them in the outdoor trash cans. Keep the trash can lids tightly closed. Replace the can if holes develop that might allow flies to enter the can.

References

• University of California: How to Manage Pests -- Flies
• Illinois Department of Public Health: Flies