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.

Maggots are fly larvae, usually of the common housefly and the bluebottle. Flies are attracted to food and other waste. They lay their eggs on the waste and later the eggs hatch into maggots. Maggots will be a problem if flies can get into your waste. 

Householders are responsible for managing their household waste. This includes maintaining recycling and waste containers.

How can I reduce the risk of maggots?

• The first step is to make sure that flies can’t get at your waste, so, ensure your bin lid is always closed
• Never leave food uncovered inside the home – this includes cat/dog food – remember flies may lay eggs on exposed food and in warm weather the eggs can hatch within 24 hours.
• If possible, leave the bin out of direct sunshine and ensure your kitchen bin has a close-fitting lid – ‘swing top’ lids can let flies in

What can I do about maggots in my bin?

Try using fly spray or pour over boiling water with a small amount of bleach. Malt vinegar is also effective at killing off maggots and their larvae. Large quantities of salt may also prove effective.