Flies will stay away from wheelie bins if you sprinkle one cheap kitchen ingredient inside — table salt. A commercial cleaning expert who operates the Instagram account @thecleangroup has revealed a two-step method to prevent flies and maggots from invading household waste bins, claiming this will "keep those maggots from feasting on your bin juice for good".
Boiling water kills maggots instantly
Flies are attracted to wheelie bins in gardens, primarily because of the food waste inside them. Once present, they deposit their eggs, which can transform into maggots in as little as 24 hours. While many households resort to hosing down their wheelie bins, this approach merely shifts some grime without properly tackling the persistent residue or bacteria that accumulate on the plastic.
The initial step involves destroying any maggots that may already be residing in your wheelie bin. To achieve this, begin by boiling a kettle and tipping the water into your bin. The cleaning professionals state that boiling water "kills maggots instantly".
Salt stops eggs from hatching
Following the water treatment, simply dispose of the maggots and give it a gentle scrub with some washing-up liquid if desired. Alternatively, "a quick blast with the garden hose will do", the cleaner advised.
The next step is crucial if you truly want to banish flies for good — and it simply requires reaching for some salt from your kitchen cupboard. Scatter a generous handful of table salt each time you empty your bin, as flies "hate" it.
The expert explained: "It [salt] stops any stray eggs or larvae from hatching, soaks up your bin juice and will kill any flies who eat it."
Newspaper absorbs drips
Household rubbish frequently contains liquids from food waste, which can seep through plastic bags and pool at the bottom of the bin, producing foul smells that draw flies in.
Alongside the salt trick, the cleaning expert also advises lining the base of your bin with newspaper, as it "absorbs drips". Given its highly absorbent qualities, placing newspaper at the bottom of your bin will soak up excess moisture and help keep the environment dry, reducing the likelihood of pests or bacteria taking hold.
You can either lay several sheets flat across the base or scrunch up a bundle and place it inside. Make sure to swap out the newspaper on a monthly basis to keep your bin smelling fresher for longer.
