Sprinkling salt in wheelie bins can help keep them cleaner and free of flies, according to home tips shared on Instagram. The method is described as budget-friendly, non-toxic, and effective at deterring pests during warm weather.
Why bins attract flies in summer
Throughout summer, wheelie bins can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and pests such as flies and maggots. The combination of higher temperatures and food waste causes rubbish to break down faster, producing stronger odours that attract flies, which then lay eggs inside the bins.
With the UK experiencing numerous heatwaves this year, domestic rubbish has been breaking down more rapidly, leading to more unpleasant smells and a greater likelihood of maggot infestations.
The single-ingredient remedy
Teresa, who shares regular home tips on her @withlove_tere Instagram page, recommends using salt to keep flies, maggots, and nasty smells away from wheelie bins. She describes it as one of her favourite low-effort cleaning hacks.
She explained: "You sprinkle salt on the bottom of your trash can to help keep flies and maggots away and wonder why you didn't do it sooner."
Salt absorbs moisture, which slows down the breakdown of food and makes rubbish less appealing to bugs, she noted.
Cleaning specialists behind the Instagram account @thecleangroup also endorse the method. They stated: "Sprinkle a handful of table salt after every empty. Flies hate salt."
They added: "It stops any stary eggs or larvae from hatching, soaks up your bin juice and will kill any flies who eat it."
How to apply salt
To destroy flies and maggots, liberally scatter table salt across the affected area and place the bin in direct sunshine for about one hour. The warmth combined with the salt desiccates and destroys the pests.
Afterwards, rinse the section and dispose of the maggots in a sealed polythene bag. Once the pests are gone, thoroughly clean the bin before adding further waste and scatter salt at the base once more.
It is worth noting the salt layer should be washed and renewed frequently, particularly during warmer conditions. Bicarbonate of soda can also be used as an alternative, as it soaks up odours and dampness in the same way as salt.
