Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids, or other cleaning products.
Step 4: Let It Dry
Don’t immediately put a new bag into a wet garbage can.
Allow the container to dry completely.
Reducing moisture makes the environment less appealing to flies and helps keep odors under control.
How to Keep Maggots From Coming Back
Getting rid of the current larvae is only half the job.
The real goal is to prevent flies from reaching the garbage in the first place.
Keep the Lid Closed
A tightly closed lid is one of the simplest ways to prevent flies from accessing food waste.
Tie Garbage Bags Securely
Don’t leave food waste sitting in an open bag.
Tie bags tightly, especially when they contain meat, fish, pet waste, or other strongly scented materials.
Take Food Waste Out Regularly
The longer decomposing food remains available, the more opportunity flies have to find it.
If your garbage contains significant amounts of food waste, don’t wait until the bag is completely full before removing it.
Keep the Bin Out of Direct Sunlight
If possible, place outdoor garbage cans in a shaded location.
Lower temperatures can help slow decomposition and reduce the odors that attract flies.
Clean the Bin Regularly
Even when the garbage bag doesn’t leak, residue can build up inside the container over time.
A regular cleaning routine can make a significant difference.
What If the Maggots Are Outside the Garbage Bag?
This is fairly common.
If food liquid has leaked from the bag, flies may have access to residue at the bottom or sides of the container.
That’s why you shouldn’t stop after throwing away the infested bag.
Clean the actual trash can.
Otherwise, leftover organic material can continue attracting flies and provide another place for eggs to be laid.
What If You Keep Seeing Them?
If you clean the garbage can but continue finding maggots or seeing large numbers of flies, look for another source.
