How to Clean Maggots Out of Trash Can?

Finding maggots in your trash can, whether in your kitchen or in your outside bin, is never a pleasant experience. After all, they are rather unsightly creatures, and you will want to get rid of them as soon as possible, to prevent them from infesting the rest of your home (or garden). 

Although a bit of a gross job, tackle it immediately, as it can quickly escalate. Since there are several ways to get rid of maggots in your trash can, just figure out what works best for you, and proceed accordingly. 

How to Clean Maggots Out of Trash Can?

To clean maggots out of a trash can, remove all the trash first. Then pour boiling water into it, which will kill the maggots instantly. You can also use bleach, vinegar or salt. Scrub the trash can with warm soapy water, and let it dry before using it again. 

Removing all the trash (hopefully in a bag) is important, because this is where you maggots have originated. You might thus want to wait until garbage day to give your trash can a scrub. 

You can then use any number of agents to get rid of the larvae most likely left behind the maggots: boiling water is highly effective, but you can also try insecticide, an all-purpose cleaner, or even diatomaceous earth. 

Scrub the trash can clean, and repeat the process if you think you need to. Then just let the trash can air dry (ideally in the sun), before using it again. 

Always use a garbage bag in your trash can, to prevent food spillage and to make taking out the trash easier. 

What Kills Maggots Instantly?

Boiling water will kill maggots instantly. All you have to do is pour it into your trash can and give it a couple of minutes before pouring it out again. 

This is a simple and effective way to get rid of maggots in a matter of minutes. You can repeat the process a couple of times, just to make sure you have doused all the larvae. 

Afterwards, give your trash can a good scrub and let it dry. 

What Kills Maggots in Garbage Can?

Apart from boiling water, you can also use bleach or insecticide to kill the maggots in your garbage can. 

Dilute the bleach in water (use the same amount of both), and just pour it into your trash can. 

If you are using insecticide, make sure to adhere to the safety precautions listed on the packaging and wear a mask and gloves. 

Scrub your trash can with a strong detergent several times afterwards, also wearing gloves. 

What Home Remedy Kills Maggots?

You can also use home remedies like vinegar, salt and lemon or lime juice to kill maggots. 

Dilluate one part white vinegar in three parts water (boiling is preferable), and pour it over your maggot infestation. Wait for it to work (a couple of hours ideally) before you move on to the next step. 

Pouring lemon or lime juice will have the same effect. You don’t have to dilute it though, as citric acid is weaker and will need time to work. 

If you are using salt, pour a generous amount of it on the maggots and wait for them to dry. Salt is a dehydrator, so this will be an unpleasant end (is any end ever pleasant?). If you want to be more humane, try the boiling water remedy, as it’s instantaneous. 

Make sure to scrub the trash can well after using any of these home remedies. 

Will My Bin Get Emptied If There Are Maggots?

If your bin is not absolutely crawling with maggots, it will still get emptied. So, if you’ve only noticed a couple of maggots inside the bin, feel free to leave it out for collection. 

On the other hand, if the maggot infestation is very bad, you will need to tackle it yourself first, before wheeling your bin out. 

Why Do I Keep Getting Maggots in My Bin?

You keep getting maggots in your bin because flies have easy access to the food you keep throwing into it. 

Flies are attracted to food scraps, so if your bin does not close properly, or if you let food decompose in it for a long time, flies will start to lay their eggs in your bin, resulting in a maggot infestation. 

How to Prevent Maggots in Trash Can?

The best way to prevent maggots in your trash can is to clean it regularly. Invest in quality trash bags, and make sure there are no food scraps at the bottom of the bin. Wash your trash can once a week with a solution of vinegar, and take out the trash daily. 

Flies look for a dark, warm place that provides easy access to nourishment to lay their eggs. Your trash can just happens to be all of the above. 

The simplest thing to do to discourage them is to keep yours as clean as you can. 

What Are Maggots?

A maggot is the larva of a fly. 

What Do Maggots Look Like?

Maggots look like small, cream-coloured worms. They can grow to about an inch long. They don’t have any legs, but they do come with two hooks they use to eat. 

In other words, they are tiny, disgusting, pale creatures that you want to be rid of as soon as possible. 

Do Maggots Turn Into Flies?

Yes, maggots do turn into flies. 

How Long Does It Take for Maggots to Form?

How long do maggots take to hatch will entirely depend on the temperature. In a hot and humid environment, maggots can hatch in 2 hours, but it may take up to three days in a cool one. 

They may also take anywhere between six hours and five months to develop into adult flies. 

Where Do Maggots Come From?

Maggots are the larvae of flies, so they form when a fly lays its eggs in your trash can. 

If you leave food scraps in your trash for extended periods of time, flies will take notice and start to procreate.

How Do Maggots Appear Out of Nowhere?

Maggots don’t actually appear out of nowhere, it just seems that way to us. If you have a maggot infestation in your trash can, you just haven’t noticed the fly that laid its eggs in there. 

If you don’t have a large number of flies buzzing around your home, and you have only noticed the maggots in your trash, chances are they have not and will not spread anywhere else. 

Are Maggots Dangerous?

Yes, maggots are dangerous to your health. They are the carriers of various bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Most of them will cause minor issues, but some maggot-caused diseases can even be fatal. 

Maggots can cause anything from a skin infection to an allergic reaction, an upset stomach, a fever, pain and edema. 

To be on the safe and healthy side, get rid of any maggots you notice in your trash can or in your home immediately, and prevent them from coming back by keeping your home and kitchen clean. 

Wrapping It Up 

Finding maggots in your trash can can be quite disgusting. However, rather than letting the problem fester, tackle it at once, and do your best to prevent them from ever coming back.