Ashley, a binman who shares tips on his The No1 Binman account, has offered several simple methods to prevent maggots in food waste bins. His first and key tip is to double-bag any smelly food to ensure flies are not attracted to the odours.
Double-bag and squeeze out air
Ashley recommends placing smelly food in two bin bags rather than one. He said: "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."
Keep bins out of direct sunlight
Another tip is to keep the wheelie bin away from direct sunlight, especially when it is not collection day. Ashley explained: "When it starts cooking and heating up, it attracts more flies because of the smell of it. Try putting it in a shady area, under a chair, anywhere you can if possible."
Keep the lid closed
Ashley also advises keeping the bin lid closed as much as possible. He said: "If flies can't get in there, they can't lay the maggots to then be in the bin."
Freeze food waste before bin day
Although some may not like the idea, Ashley suggests putting food waste in the freezer and then placing it in the bin on collection day. He noted that doing a couple of his tips together will help prevent maggots.
Salt for existing maggots
If maggots are already present, Ashley recommends sprinkling salt in the bin to kill them. Cleaning expert Claire from Sister Pledge Cleans also recommends table salt, explaining that it kills maggots, dries out fly eggs, and absorbs bin juice and odours that attract flies.
