As the weather warms up, flies are increasingly drawn to wheelie bins in gardens, primarily due to the food waste they contain. Once there, they lay their eggs, which can develop into maggots within just 24 hours. With spring in full swing and temperatures consistently hitting 10°C, these pests thrive in warm, moist environments like bins.
Why Flies Are Attracted to Wheelie Bins
Household waste often contains liquids from food scraps, which can seep through plastic bags and collect at the bottom of the bin, generating unpleasant odours that attract flies. While many households turn to hosing down their wheelie bins, this method only removes some dirt without effectively eliminating the stubborn residue or bacteria that gathers on the plastic.
Expert-Recommended Two-Step Technique
A commercial cleaning specialist who runs the Instagram account @thecleangroup has shared a two-step technique to stop flies and maggots from raiding your household rubbish bin. The expert insists this will 'keep those maggots from feasting on your bin juice for good'.
Step One: Eliminate Existing Maggots
The first step is to eliminate any maggots that might already be living in your wheelie bin. To accomplish this, start by boiling a kettle and pouring the water into your bin. The cleaning professionals say that 'boiling water kills maggots instantly'. After the water treatment, simply get rid of the maggots and give it a light scrub with some washing-up liquid if you wish. Alternatively, 'a quick blast with the garden hose will do', the cleaner says.
Step Two: Use Salt to Deter Flies
The next step is key if you really want to get rid of flies — and it simply involves grabbing some salt from your kitchen cupboard. Sprinkle a generous handful of table salt each time you empty your bin, as 'flies hate salt'. The expert said: 'It [salt] stops any stray eggs or larvae from hatching, soaks up your bin juice and will kill any flies who eat it.'
Additional Tips for a Fly-Free Bin
As well as the salt trick, the cleaning specialist also recommends lining the bottom of your bin with newspaper, as it 'absorbs drips'. Given its highly absorbent nature, placing newspaper at the base of your bin will mop up excess moisture and help maintain a dry environment, lowering the chances of pests or bacteria taking hold. You can either lay several sheets flat across the bottom or scrunch up a bundle and pop it inside. Be sure to replace the newspaper on a monthly basis to keep your bin smelling fresher for longer.
