This could easily be avoided in the first place, but in larger apartment buildings not everyone follows the rules. Therefore, a maggot infestation is often unavoidable and it doesn't just look disgusting.
Simply avoid maggot infestation
Particularly in summer, maggot infestations often occur in normal garbage cans. This can be easily prevented by keeping the food, especially raw meat, tightly sealed. It's best not to place the bin in the sun and throw away leftover food in a sealed plastic bag. Maggots also like the dark and so the bin can simply be left open. However, this only applies to normal garbage cans. This is different again with the organic waste bin, because no plastic can be disposed of here as it does not rot. Unless they are bags made from corn flour, but such plastic bags are of course more expensive and many people don't want to spend that money.
Essential oils can help
With the organic waste bin, a lot can be done without plastic bags because maggots don't feel comfortable here. Detergent and hot water are enough to clean them. However, of course it must have been emptied. After cleaning, a thick layer of newspaper can be laid out on the floor. These bins smell very unpleasant, especially in summer. This is because the discarded food all begins to ferment. This causes liquid to collect in the bin and causes the bad smell. This can be partially prevented by using newspaper and nothing can get stuck on the floor. Cat litter made of pressed wood can also be helpful, as it absorbs several times as much liquid. Above all, it also smells pleasantly of the wood that was processed. But essential oils also keep the pests out of the bin. These are available in pharmacies and are used as a remedy for colds.
Vinegar and lime also help
Of course, no matter how thoroughly the organic waste bin has been cleaned, the flies love this place. Especially when the bin is still in the sun and it smells tempting for these little animals. But putting a little vinegar or lime on the waste can really spoil the flies' mood. The open lid also helps prevent them from laying eggs there. But alcohol or a lye made from detergent also keeps the annoying maggots away from the bin. These bins are emptied regularly, but when it is warm the food ferments. Sawdust can also be helpful here, as this also prevents fermentation. Leftover meat can also be wrapped in newspaper. The only way to combat the infestation is to make the environment as disgusting as possible for the maggots. This keeps the flies away and prevents them from laying eggs.
Small tools with great success
It is always important that the garbage or organic waste bin is cleaned regularly. Above all, all residues must be removed. If these become tighter, a brush can be used. A strong jet through the water hose can also be used here. After cleaning, the bin must be completely dry. To do this, it can be left standing with the lid open or simply turned upside down. Then lay it out thickly with newspaper, which also ensures that nothing gets stuck on the floor. Then repeatedly throw sawdust or cat litter made of pressed wood between the individual layers of waste. A few drops of vinegar or essential oils on the inside of the lid will keep the flies away. This also applies to the normal garbage can, because the maggots feel really comfortable here too. But only if there is open food inside. Cleaning and home remedies that help:
- Dishwashing liquid and warm water to clean the bin
- Bin must always be really dry
- Spread newspaper, wooden cat litter or sawdust on the floor
- insert or sprinkle this material in regular layers to absorb it
- Do not place the bin in the sun
- Open lid helps keep flies away
- Essential oils, vinegar or spirits prevent maggot infestation
- If infested, lime can also be sprinkled into the bin
These small measures achieve the greatest success and, above all, almost all the resources are available in a budget. This way the bin doesn't smell ten meters into the wind and the flies can first pick up the scent. The more uncomfortable the place, the less likely they are to lay their eggs. It's not always nice to clean such bins, but it doesn't work without them. Unless all food is packed in biodegradable plastic bags. This is still possible in a smaller house, but it is no longer feasible in large apartment buildings. This is where one of the tools needs to be used so that the bin doesn't get infested with maggots.
Even a shady place helps
It is just as important that the bin is not in the blazing sun, then the maggots will feel really comfortable. These animals like exactly the opposite of us humans, because the nastier it smells, the more comfortable they feel. Therefore, simply leave the lid open if possible, contrary to what has been said so far. If this is not possible, always keep the bin tightly closed. If necessary, seal it airtight with a rubber seal. Because the smallest opening is enough for the flies inside to lay their eggs undisturbed.
What you need to know about maggots in garbage cans
- If there are maggots in the garbage container, it is important that the container is placed as shady as possible.
- Collect residual waste in plastic garbage bags and tie them tightly and put them in the garbage can outside.
- There are also compostable plastic bags for the organic waste bin, these are better than paper organic waste bags.
- Coffee filters, tea bags, anything that is damp, it is better to wrap it in newspaper beforehand and only then throw it in the trash bag.
- The bags should also be tied tightly for organic waste.
Sure, lawn clippings and garden waste cannot be packed in small bags. If you dispose of garden waste in the organic waste bin, you should get large organic waste bags and put them in the organic waste bin. Of course you can't be 100% prepared; after all, nature has its own way. This also includes flies and maggots. So if the garbage can and organic waste bin are infested with maggots, be sure to wash it thoroughly with hot water (additional: dishwashing liquid or lots of vinegar) immediately after emptying it and let it dry.
In summer it is enough to simply place the bins half upside down. The remaining water can drain away and the bin dries quickly. You also have to make sure that trash cans and organic waste bins are always kept clean and dry in the house. Organic waste in particular, such as leftover food and kitchen waste, should not remain in the kitchen for very long. Empty out organic waste as often as possible. This prevents maggot infestation.
