A binman known as Ashley, who runs The No. 1 Binman account, has shared several methods to prevent maggots in wheelie bins. His advice focuses on reducing smells and limiting fly access.
Double-bag smelly food
Ashley recommends double-bagging any smelly food waste. “Once you have double-bagged it, make sure you squeeze the air out of it, then make sure it is tied tight and put it in your bin,” he said.
Keep bins in the shade
Another tip is to keep the bin away from direct sunlight when it is not collection day. “When it starts cooking and heating up, it attracts more flies because of the smell of it,” Ashley explained. “Try putting it in a shady area, under a chair, anywhere you can if possible.”
Keep the lid shut
Ashley also stressed the importance of keeping the bin lid closed as often as possible. “If flies can't get in there, they can't lay the maggots to then be in the bin,” he said.
Freeze food waste
His final suggestion is to put food waste in the freezer and then into the bin on collection day. “If you do a couple of them [his tips], it will help,” he added. For existing infestations, Ashley recommends sprinkling salt inside the bin.
Cleaning specialist Claire from Sister Pledge Cleans also advocates using table salt, explaining that it kills maggots, dries out fly eggs, and soaks up bin juice and odours that attract flies.
