As summer temperatures soar, flies and maggots are becoming a persistent problem for households. Food waste bins, in particular, are ideal breeding grounds for flies, which lay eggs that hatch into maggots. One cleaning expert claims an 80p household staple can prevent infestations.
Instagram user Claire, a cleaning guru, shared a video advising people to sprinkle regular table salt over rubbish bags once they are tied up and placed in an outdoor food waste caddy. She explained that salt kills maggots and dries out fly eggs, preventing them from hatching, while also absorbing bin juice and foul odours that attract flies.
Claire stressed that this method works best in council food waste caddies destined for biofuel, not for home composting, as salt can compromise compost quality. Viewers praised the tip, with one commenting, 'I tried it and it's amazing! I can't believe it.'
Other natural repellents, such as certain fragrances, can also deter flies. Keeping kitchens clean and covering food are effective measures. Biodegradable food waste bags offer an alternative if council food waste bins are not available.
