Fight maggots in the compost bin and rubbish bin

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

Maggot infestations often occur in normal garbage cans, especially in summer. This can easily be prevented by sealing the food well, especially raw meat. It is best not to put the bin in the sun and throw away leftover food in a sealed plastic bag. Maggots also like the dark, so the bin can simply be left open. However, this only applies to the normal garbage can. This is different again with the organic waste bin, because no plastic may be disposed of here because it does not rot. Unless they are bags made from cornmeal, but of course such plastic bags are more expensive and many do not want to spend that money.

Essential oils can help

A lot can be done with the bio bin without plastic bags that maggots do not feel comfortable here. Detergent and hot water are enough to clean them. However, this must of course have been emptied. After cleaning, a thick layer of newspaper can be laid out on the floor. Especially in summer, these bins smell very unpleasant. This is because the discarded food all starts to ferment. As a result, liquid collects in the bin and causes the bad smell. Newspaper can partially prevent this, and nothing can get stuck on the floor. Cat litter made of pressed wood can also be helpful, as this sucks out much more 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 compost bin has been cleaned, the flies love this place. Especially when the bin is still in the sun and it smells seductively for these little animals. But putting a little vinegar or lime on the waste can really spoil the mood of the flies. The open lid also helps that they don't lay eggs there. But spirit or a lye made from washing-up liquid also keeps the annoying maggots away from the bin. Although these bins are emptied regularly, when it is warm, the food does ferment. Sawdust can also be helpful here, as this also prevents fermentation. Meat leftovers can also be wrapped in newspaper. Because the only thing that helps against 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 bio bin is cleaned regularly. Above all, all residues must be removed. If they get stuck, 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, so it can be left with the lid open or simply turned upside down. Then lay out thick newspaper, which then also ensures that nothing gets stuck on the floor. Then keep throwing 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 open food is inside. Cleaning and home remedies that help:

• Dish soap and warm water for cleaning 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
• Don't put 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 funds are available in one budget. That way the bin doesn't smell ten meters upwind and the flies can't smell it. Because the more uncomfortable the place is, the less they lay their eggs. It's not always nice to clean bins like this, but you can't do without them. Unless all groceries are 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 is needed to ensure that the bin is not infested with maggots.

Even a shady spot helps

It is just as important that the bin is not in the blazing sun, but then the maggots feel really comfortable. These animals like exactly the opposite of us humans, because the worse it smells, the more comfortable they feel. Therefore, if possible, simply leave the lid open, 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 to lay their eggs inside undisturbed.

Things to know about maggots in garbage cans

• At maggot infestation in the bin, it is important that the bin is placed in as shady a position as possible.
• Collect residual rubbish in plastic rubbish bags and tie them tightly and put them in the rubbish bin outside.
• There are also compostable plastic bags for the organic waste bin, these are better than organic waste bags made of paper.
• It is better to wrap coffee filters, tea bags, everything that is damp in newspaper beforehand and only then throw it in the bin liner.
• Even with organic waste, the bags should be tied tightly.

Secure, lawn clippings, and garden waste cannot be packed in small bags. If you dispose of garden waste in the organic bin, you should get large bags of organic waste and put them in the organic bin. Of course you can't take 100% precautions, after all, nature goes its own way. That includes flies and maggots. If the garbage can and compost bin are infested with maggots, wash them thoroughly with hot water (add detergent or lots of vinegar) and leave to dry immediately after emptying.

In the summer it is enough if you simply set up the bins half upside down. The remaining water can drain off and the bin is quickly dry. Also in the house you have to make sure that garbage cans and organic waste bins are always kept clean and dry. Organic waste in particular, such as food leftovers and kitchen waste, should not remain in the kitchen for very long. Empty organic waste as often as possible. That bends maggot infestation before.

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