After removing the larvae, clean the entire interior.
Use:
- Hot water
- Dish soap or household detergent
- A long-handled brush or scrubbing sponge
Scrub the bottom, walls, lid, handles, and any grooves where food residue may have accumulated.
Rinse thoroughly afterward.
4. Let the Bin Dry Completely
This step is easy to overlook.
Flies are attracted to moisture as well as decomposing organic material, so allow the container to dry thoroughly before putting a new garbage bag inside.
Leaving the lid open temporarily in a safe location can help it dry faster.
5. Keep Food Waste Sealed
One of the best ways to prevent maggots is to prevent flies from reaching food waste in the first place.
Place food scraps inside securely tied garbage bags rather than leaving them loose in the bin.
Pay particular attention to:
- Meat scraps
- Fish
- Bones
- Leftover cooked food
- Fruit and vegetable waste
- Pet-food leftovers
If possible, keep particularly smelly food waste in a sealed container until collection day.
6. Keep the Lid Closed
A trash bin with an open or poorly closed lid is an easy target for flies.
Make sure the lid closes properly after every use.
If your bin has a damaged lid or doesn’t close securely, repairing or replacing it can make a noticeable difference.
7. Clean the Lid and Rim
Don’t concentrate only on the inside of the bin.
Food juices can collect around the rim and underneath the lid. These residues can attract flies even when the main garbage is properly bagged.
Wipe these areas regularly with warm soapy water and allow them to dry.
8. Consider Freezing Certain Food Scraps
See more on the next page