Maggots are one of the most unpleasant and unwanted pests that can infest your trash can. They can cause a foul odor, as well as attract more flies and other insects.
You might wonder how to kill maggots in trash cans and prevent them from coming back. In this article, we have prepared a guide on how to get rid of maggots in trash cans. So, without ado let’s get started!
What are Maggots and Where Do They Come From?
Maggots are the larval stage of flies, which belong to the order Diptera; more here. Many species of flies can lay eggs in your trash can, such as house flies, blow flies, fruit flies, and flesh flies.
The eggs are usually laid on or near a suitable food source, such as rotting meat, fruits, or vegetables. The eggs hatch within a few hours or days. The larvae, or maggots, emerge and start feeding on the organic matter.
The maggots can move around by using hooks on their mouthparts and body. They can also sense light and heat, and they tend to avoid them.
The maggots prefer dark and moist places, such as the bottom or the corners of your trash can. They can also crawl out of the trash can and look for a dry and protected place to pupate.
Why are Maggots Bad for Your Trash Can?
Maggots are not only gross, but they can also pose some health and environmental risks. Here are some of the reasons why you should get rid of maggots from your trash can as soon as possible:
- Odor and Insect Attraction: Maggots emit a foul smell that attracts flies, ants, cockroaches, and rodents, which can carry diseases like salmonella, typhoid, dysentery, and cholera.
- Contamination Risks: Maggots can contaminate your trash can and the surrounding area with bacteria, fungi, and parasites, leading to infections, allergies, and irritations upon contact or inhalation.
- Damage to Container and Contents: Maggots can cause harm by chewing through plastic bags, cardboard boxes, and paper items. They can also stain and corrode metal cans and lids.
- Mess and Nuisance: Maggots can create a mess by spilling out of the trash can, or crawling around your outdoor spaces. Also, maggots in house can be another problem, especially in areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
How to Kill Maggots in Trash Can Using Natural Methods
If you want to kill maggots in your trash can without using harsh chemicals, there are some natural methods that you can try. These methods are safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. Here are some of the natural methods that you can use to kill maggots in garbage cans:
Method 1: Boiling Water
Boiling water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to kill maggots. It works by scalding and dehydrating them, and it is something that kills maggots instantly. To use this method, you will need:
- A large pot of boiling water
- A pair of gloves
- A hose or a bucket of water
To kill maggots with boiling water, follow these steps:
- Put on your gloves and remove all the trash from your trash can.
- Pour the boiling water over the maggots, making sure to cover them completely.
- Let the water sit for about 30 minutes, then drain it out of your trash can.
- Dry your trash can thoroughly before putting it back in place.
Method 2: Vinegar
So, does vinegar kill maggots? Yes, vinegar is a natural insecticide that can kill maggots by disrupting their pH balance. To use this method, you will need:
- A spray bottles
- White vinegar
- Water
- A sponge or a cloth
To kill maggots with vinegar, follow these steps:
- Fill the spray bottle with a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts with water. Shake well to combine.
- Spray the vinegar solution directly on the maggots, making sure to saturate them.
- Let the vinegar solution sit for about an hour. Then wipe it off with a cloth or rinse it with water.
- Dry your trash can thoroughly before putting it back in place.
Method 3: Salt
Salt is another natural substance that can kill maggots by dehydrating them and drawing out their fluids. To use this method, you will need:
- Table salt or kosher salt
- A pair of gloves
- A hose or a bucket of water
To kill maggots with salt, follow these steps:
- Put on your gloves and remove all the trash from your trash can.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the maggots, making sure to cover them completely. You can also sprinkle some salt inside and outside of your trash can, as well as the lid.
- Let the salt sit for about an hour, then wash it off with a hose or a bucket of water.
- Dry your trash can thoroughly before putting it back in place.
How to Kill Maggots in Trash Cans Using Chemical Methods
If you want to kill maggots in your trash can faster and more effectively, you can use some chemical methods. These methods are more powerful and reliable, but they can also be more harmful and expensive. Here are some of the chemical methods that you can use to kill maggots in your trash can:
Method 1: Bleach
Bleach is a common household cleaner that can kill maggots by poisoning them. To use this method, you will need:
- Bleach
- Water
- A bucket
- A pair of gloves
To kill maggots with bleach, follow these steps:
- Put on your gloves and remove all the trash from your trash can.
- Fill the bucket with a mixture of one part bleach and 10 parts water. Stir well to dilute the bleach.
- Pour the bleach solution over the maggots, making sure to cover them completely.
- Let the bleach solution sit for about 30 minutes, then drain it out of your trash can.
- Dry your trash can thoroughly before putting it back in place.
Method 2: Insecticide
Insecticide is a chemical product that can kill maggots by affecting their nervous system and causing them to die. To use this method, you will need:
- An insecticide spray or powder that is labeled for killing maggots or flies
- Protective gloves and mask
- A hose or a bucket of water
To kill maggots with insecticide, follow these steps:
- Put on your gloves and remove all the trash from your trash can.
- Spray the insecticide liberally over the maggots inside the trash can, making sure to cover all of them. Be careful not to inhale the insecticide or get it on your skin or eyes.
- Let the insecticide sit for about 15 minutes, or until the maggots are dead.
- Rinse the trash can with water and dry it with a cloth, or let it air dry in the sun.
Method 3: Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth has a powdery texture and a sharp microscopic structure that can kill maggots by cutting through their skin and causing them to dehydrate. To use this method, you will need:
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth
- A pair of gloves
- A mask
- A hose or a bucket of water
To kill maggots with diatomaceous earth, follow these steps:
- Put on your gloves and mask and remove all the trash from your trash can.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth over the maggots, making sure to cover all of them.
- Let the diatomaceous earth sit for about 24 hours, then wash it off with a hose or a bucket of water.
- Dry your trash can thoroughly before putting it back in place.
How to Prevent Maggots on Trash Can?
The best way to deal with maggots in your trash can is to prevent them from infesting it in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks that you can follow to keep your trash can maggot-free:
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly wash and disinfect your trash can with soap, water, bleach, or vinegar. Ensure it’s thoroughly dry before placing it back.
- Use a Sealed Lid: Employ a tight-fitting lid on your trash can to prevent flies from entering and laying eggs. Consider using a trash bag liner for containment, reducing leaks and spills.
- Optimal Placement: Keep your trash can in a shaded, cool area to reduce internal temperature and humidity.
- Frequent Emptying: Empty your trash can regularly, especially in warmer months when maggots are more active. Avoid leaving food scraps or waste for extended periods to deter fly and maggot attraction.
- Secure Against Animals: Use locks, latches, or nets to prevent animals like raccoons, dogs, or cats from accessing and scattering trash. Guard against birds, such as crows or pigeons, with a net or mesh cover.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to kill maggots in trash can and keep them away for good. Both the natural and chemical methods can kill maggots within a few minutes.
You can also watch this YouTube video.
How to Kill Maggots in Trash Can – FAQs
Are maggots harmful for me or my pets?
Maggots are not directly harmful to humans or animals, but they can cause indirect harm by spreading diseases.
How do maggots get in trash can?
Maggots get in the trash can when flies lay their eggs in moist and decaying organic matter.
How do I know if I have maggots in my trash can?
You can identify maggots in your trash can by seeing them or smelling them.
How long does it take for maggots to die?
Maggots can live for about 8 to 10 days before they turn into flies. However, if you use any of the methods mentioned above, you can kill maggots in your trash can within minutes or hours.
Can maggots turn into flies?
Yes, maggots are the larval stage of flies, and they can turn into flies after going through the pupal stage. This leads into another post on the subject, how to handle maggots on ceiling in your home.
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