How To Get Rid of Maggots In Trash Can: 5 Easy Ways to Get It Done
I’ll never forget the first time I got maggots in my trash can. A package of meat spoiled in the fridge before we could cook it, so my wife threw it in the garbage can outside without putting it a garbage bag. It didn’t take long for flies to find the meat and lay their eggs, and before I knew it, I needed to learn how to get rid of maggots in trash can, and fast.
If you’re in a similar boat, this article has you covered. You’ll learn what maggots are, why they’re in your trash can, and several methods for getting rid of them.
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What Are Maggots?
The word “maggot” is almost enough to turn a stomach on its own. But, some folks might not understand exactly what those nasty little creatures are: the offspring of flies.
The common female fly can lay up to 500 eggs in its lifetime. Unlike drain flies who prefer to lay their eggs in drain sludge, common flies search for sources of protein such as rotting meat, dog feces, dead animals, and other types of garbage to lay their eggs. As the eggs hatch, maggots emerge and feed on the protein source until they mature into adult flies and continue the cycle.
We know, it’s gross. And while it doesn’t smell like a stink bug, the odor of rotting meat and maggots in the hot summer months certainly takes the cake.. puke.
What do maggots look like?
Maggots look like tiny cream-colored grubs or worms. They’re very similar to carpet beetle grubs, having segmented bodies and dark heads with little mandibles that they use to eat. Maggots can reach up to ¾ of an inch before they mature into flies. Also, they don’t have wings or legs yet, so it’s important that they hatch near their food source.
Why Maggots Are in Your Trash Can
The truth is that your garbage or trash can is the perfect breeding ground for flies. With a variety of protein sources and other filth, there are plenty of places for adult flies to lay their eggs. Once those eggs hatch into maggots, these little grubs have plenty of food options to choose from. And, since flies lay so many eggs, a trash can (and the garbage inside) can become infested with maggots in very short order.
How To Get Rid of Maggots in Your Trash Can
The first time you open the lid of the trash can and witness writhing, crawling maggots munching on your leftovers, your skin is sure to crawl. However, the following are a few methods you can use to get rid of maggots in trash cans.
Note: All of the following methods work best when the trash can is empty and food sources are limited. If possible, wait until after trash pick-up to try the following products or techniques.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth, or DE, is one of our favorite products for killing insects of all sorts, including maggots. These powders are made up of crystallized sea organisms. The organisms’ bodies are sharp, and as insects crawl over them, they cut the insects’ bodies open. The bugs will eventually die of dehydration, and this includes maggots.
To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle the powder directly onto the maggots in the trash can. This thin powder can coat the entire interior of a trash can quickly. Just be sure to sprinkle or dust the entire can to ensure that you’re targeting all of the maggots. And remember that once this powder gets wet, it’s no longer effective.
Boiling Water
Another method of killing maggots in a trash can that you can try with items you already have in your home is to pour hot water over all the maggots. Boiling water poured over the top of maggots will kill them instantly, so it may be worth a shot.
Boil a pot of water on the stove and carefully remove it once it’s boiling. Bring the pot to the trash can and carefully pour the boiling water over all of the maggots. Just be careful not to accidentally burn yourself with the water. Also, keep in mind that boiling water cools quickly once it hits the trash can, so it may be necessary to drain the can and start again with another pot to ensure you got them all.
Bleach
Bleach can be effective at getting rid of maggots in trash can. Simply spray the maggots directly with a bleach solution of at least 50/50 bleach to water. Make sure to spray any nooks or crannies where maggots might hide.
Bleach can be dangerous for the user as well. Inhaling bleach fumes isn’t good for you, so be sure to wear a respirator mask. Also, as the maggots die, pouring out the bleach-and-maggot soup in the yard may not be desirable for many obvious reasons.
Vinegar
We love vinegar. Not only will it safely clean a garbage can, but it will also kill maggots it comes in contact with. Mixing vinegar with salt or lime can boost its effectiveness, and essential oils mixed can improve the smell of the can. Lemon, orange, or peppermint oils are particularly effective when mixed with vinegar in a spray bottle.
Mix the solution of vinegar and essential oils into a spray bottle (two cups of vinegar to 5 drops of oil will usually do, but adjust as needed). Spray the vinegar solution right on top of the fly larvae, making sure not to miss any that may be hiding in the can.
Note: You can even add a few teaspoons of dish soap to the solution for a little more potency. Dawn is a great product that has many insect-killing uses, so keep a few bottles on hand for other pests as well, especially in the hot summer months.
Insecticides
We typically suggest the use of insecticides last, as they can harm other beneficial insects and organisms beyond the intended target. However, for large garbage bin maggot infestations and folks who need a fix right away, they’re the most effective option.
Choose an insecticide formulated for flies. These often use active ingredients like pyrethrum or permethrin such as Bayer’s Permectrin, both of which disrupt the insects’ central nervous system and kills them. This insecticide is effective in getting rid of other insects like sugar ants, as well. Just be sure to use the product properly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How To Prevent Maggots in a Trash Can
While flies are difficult to keep out of outdoor trash cans, there are a few things you can try to prevent a maggot infestation in the trash can in the first place.
- Always throw garbage out in trash bags and tie them tight to prevent flies from finding food waste.
- Use high-quality garbage bags that won’t rip. Some even come with scents meant to repel bugs while smelling fresh such as Hefty Ultra Strong. This is our preferred trash bag.
- Ensure that the garbage bin lid is securely fastened to the garbage can. If not, consider placing a heavy rock on top to keep the lid in place.
- If you’re unable to secure the lid, upgrade to a high-quality garbage can.
- Clean the garbage can a few times a month, using essential oils to repel flies from entering.
- Place silica packets in the bottom of the garbage can. These packets will absorb moisture and make the can less inviting to the flies.
FAQs
That might be a lot of information about how to get rid of maggots in a trash can, but there may still be a few questions. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Why do maggots keep appearing in my trash can?
The truth is that a trash can is the perfect place for a fly to lay eggs. The rotting waste, food scraps, and moisture attract flies as these conditions are ideal for maggots to survive and grow. However, you can minimize your odds by using high-quality trash bags, tying them tight, keeping the garbage can lid secure, and cleaning the can a few times a month with an essential oil and vinegar solution.
Will bleach kill maggots in garbage can?
Yes, bleach can kill maggots in garbage cans. Simply spray the maggots directly with the bleach and allow it to sit so the fumes can kill the maggots and disinfect the can.
Does white vinegar get rid of maggots?
White vinegar is an effective agent for killing maggots thanks to its high acidity level. Otherwise, it’s relatively safe for humans and pets which makes it a great solution for getting rid of maggots in trash can.
