Flies and maggots can quickly infest wheelie bins, especially during warm summer months, but a simple 50p item from the supermarket can help prevent the problem. Fareham Council recommends placing sprigs of mint or other herbs in the bin lid to naturally deter flies from laying eggs.
Natural Deterrents That Work
Fareham Council advises: "There are a few natural herbs that deter flies. Place sprigs of Elder, Lavender, Mint, Pennyroyal, Rue or Southern Wood in the bin/bin lid, or hang them up around the bin to keep flies away." The council suggests rubbing the leaves frequently to release their smell, or smearing tea-tree oil or citronella on the bin lid.
Mint is available from Asda for just 50p, while lavender can be bought at garden centres for around £5. Simply position the sprigs in your bin to serve as a natural deterrent. Mothballs can also help contain odours when added to the bin.
Why Flies and Maggots Appear
Bins attract flies because they seek to lay eggs directly onto food waste. When maggots appear, it means flies have laid eggs on food inside the bin or in the kitchen before disposal. Warm temperatures exacerbate the problem as waste builds up until collection day.
Prevention is key, but if maggots have already infested, most will disappear once the bin is emptied. After collection, kill remaining maggots and fly eggs with boiling water, clean the bin thoroughly, and use a fragrant cleaning product to deter future flies.
Tips to Avoid Maggots
According to Fareham Council, several straightforward measures can minimise the chances of maggots appearing in your bin:
- Never leave food, including pet food, uncovered, as flies can lay eggs before it goes in the bin.
- Double-bag all food waste in securely tied plastic bags.
- Squeeze air out of bags before tying and placing them in the bin, as a lack of air slows decomposition and reduces smells.
- Keep your bin lid closed at all times.
- Recycle materials as much as possible to reduce waste in the bin.
- Keep the inside and outside of your bin clean.
- Store your bin in a shady place out of direct sunlight.
How to Get Rid of Maggots
If maggots have already infested your bin, follow these steps after collection: kill maggots and fly eggs with boiling water, clean and wash out your bin once emptied, and use a cleaning product with a fragrance to deter flies from returning.
