MAGGOTS

The life cycle of a fly is made up of four stages; egg, larva (maggot), pupa and adult (fly). The length of this cycle is variable. In high temperatures developing from egg to larva can take as little as 8-16 hours. Flies are also vulnerable to changing weather conditions, a small increase in temperature can lead to a rapid growth in the density of the housefly population.

Flies are attracted to odors and will lay their eggs in moist or decomposing material. They are especially attracted to materials with high protein content such as meat and fish.

The majority of maggots that are found in wheeled bins usually originate in the kitchen. Eggs are laid on food that has been left uncovered, and this waste is then transferred to your green non-recyclable waste collection bin where the eggs then hatch into maggots. The best method of controlling the fly population is to break the breeding cycle by limiting the areas where they may lay eggs.

Maggots can be a common problem during warm spells. Keeping your bin clean and disinfected will help to keep your bins maggot free.

• Wrap meat and fish items in newspaper before placing into your green wheelie bin. This will slow down decomposition and prevent odours from escaping. 

 

• Ensure you keep the lid of your wheelie bins closed to avoid flies being able to enter the bin and lay eggs this will prevent food waste from sticking to the sides of your containers and help contain any odours.

• Use of fly paper / insecticides may help to reduce any fly problem. Please use sprays in a well ventilated area and according to the product instructions.
  
  

Chopping scrap food waste before placing it in your silver kitchen caddy encourages the material to break down and decay more quickly. By not chopping down this waste you will reduce the number of flies attracted to your container.  Dispose of liquid / very sloppy food waste via the sink. This will prevent moisture occurring in your food waste containers and help control fly infestations.
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Common reasons why your bin may be getting maggots:

1. Not cleaning the bin regularly: If you don't clean your bin regularly, food waste and other organic matter can build up, providing an ideal environment for flies to lay their eggs.
   
2. Throwing food waste directly into the bin: If you throw food waste directly into the bin without sealing it in a bag, it can attract flies and provide a breeding ground for maggots.
   
3. Not using bin liners: If you don't use bin liners, any food waste or other organic matter that comes into contact with the bin can become stuck to the inside, providing a breeding ground for maggots.
   
4. Leaving the bin lid open: Leaving the bin lid open can allow flies easy access to the bin, increasing the chances of them laying eggs.
   
5. Warm weather: Maggots thrive in warm, moist environments, so during the summer months, you may be more likely to find them in your bin.
   

To prevent maggots from appearing in your bin, make sure you clean it regularly, use bin liners, seal food waste in a bag before throwing it in the bin, and keep the bin lid closed.


Here are some tips for getting rid of maggots:​

1. Clean your bin regularly: The best way to prevent maggots from appearing in your bin is to keep it clean. Make sure to wash your bin with hot soapy water at least once a week.
   
2. Use bin liners: Use bin liners or bags to line your bin before you throw in any waste. This will help prevent maggots from getting into the bin and breeding.
   
3. Don't leave food waste exposed: Food waste is the primary attraction for maggots, so it's essential to keep it covered. Make sure you seal food waste in a bag before throwing it into the bin.
   
4. Use a natural repellent: There are many natural repellents that can deter maggots, including vinegar, essential oils, and salt. Sprinkle some of these around the bin to keep the maggots away.
   
5. Freeze the waste: If you have a lot of food waste, you can freeze it before throwing it in the bin. This will kill any maggots that may have already hatched and prevent new ones from developing.
   
6. Use boiling water: Pouring boiling water into the bin can help kill any maggots that may be present. Be careful not to burn yourself, and make sure to wear protective gloves.                                                                                                                
   

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HOW DO I REDUCE UNPLEASANT SMELLS IN MY WHEELIE BIN?

• Double-bag all food waste, particularly meat and animal waste. Use biodegradable bags, they will decay in landfill. (Please note that NO bags are allowed in your Grey Bin - even biodegradable)
  
  
• Recycle as much as you can so that there's less in your  bin and the lid can be kept shut.
  
  
• Keep the bin out of direct sunlight (this makes the waste slower to decompose, reduces smells and slows the development of maggots etc.).
  
  
• Don't leave waste food lying around inside the home before putting it in the bin, as flies can lay eggs on it during this time. Uncovered bins inside the kitchen can also allow flies to lays eggs on waste food.
  
  
• Squeezing the air out of bags that contain food waste before they are tied and put in the bin should also slow down decomposition etc.
  
  
• Don't leave dog/cat food out uncovered - again because flies can lay their eggs in it.
  
  
• Bag all pet waste before putting it in your bin, or place it in one of the pet waste disposal bins situated on public areas around the District.
  
  
• Good hygiene in the home is the best way of preventing the spread of disease and infection. Flies are all around and have the potential to spread disease, no matter what type of refuse collection service is in operation.
  
  
• Clean your bin and use detergents to reduce problems.
  
  

Maggots will only appear in the bin if the eggs have been laid in a suitable food source for them to develop.

If bins are kept closed, flies should not be able to enter to lay their eggs. Therefore, if maggots do appear, the eggs are likely to have been laid before the food was put in the wheelie bin, especially if it isn’t wrapped in paper or bagged when put in the bin.