Maggots in your bin

Maggots are fly larvae. Flies are attracted to food and waste, where they lay eggs that can hatch quickly in warm weather. Maggots usually appear when flies are able to get into bins or uncovered food.

You are responsible for managing your household waste. This includes looking after your bins and making sure waste is stored properly.

How to reduce the risk of maggots

The most important step is stopping flies from reaching your waste.

You can reduce the risk by:

• always keeping your bin lid fully closed
• never leaving food uncovered in your home, including pet food
• using a kitchen bin with a tight‑fitting lid
• keeping bins out of direct sunlight where possible

What to do if you already have maggots

If maggots appear in your bin, you can deal with them safely using common household products.

You can:

• use fly spray
• pour boiling water into the bin with a small amount of bleach
• use white vinegar to kill maggots and larvae
• use large amounts of salt

After treatment, clean the bin and keep the lid closed to prevent flies returning.

Prevent future problems

To avoid maggots coming back:

• bag food waste securely
• clean your bin regularly
• put waste out for collection as soon as possible

These simple steps can help keep your bin clean and reduce problems during warmer months.