How to get rid of maggots in your garbage can fast

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

If you find a sea of maggots crawling in your  trash can, this can be an alarming sight. But before you call out the exterminators, you'll need to know how to get rid of maggots fast.

So what exactly are maggots, and where do they come from? These tiny, white or cream worms are actually fly larvae that live on organic waste. When flies infest a food garbage can, this becomes a breeding ground to lay their eggs. In a very short time, these hatch to become maggots. Such crawlies are more prevalent during the summer and spring months, when flies are more active, so knowing how to get rid of maggots is crucial.

Luckily, you can easily learn how to get rid of maggots in your garbage can in just a few steps. By eliminating maggots, this will prevent a future infestation. In fact, all you’ll need are a few household items to banish the tiny pests. So if you want to keep these crawlies away, follow these tips on how to get rid of maggots in your garbage can fast.

Also, if you have a stinky trash can, here's how to deodorize your trash can in 5 easy ways.

How to get rid of maggots

1. Remove the trash

Put on disposable rubber gloves, and remove all trash from the infested can, making sure it’s well tied. If the bag is damaged, place it inside another heavy-duty sealed bag and transfer to another bin. You can do this on your waste disposal collection day.

2. Pour hot water into garbage can

Next, boil hot water and carefully pour it into the garbage can. Make sure to hit every inch of the garbage can with water, before letting it sit for about 30 minutes. This will instantly kill any remaining maggots and eggs at the bottom of the can or on the sides. Then empty the garbage can of all contents, including the dead maggots, before rinsing out the can using a garden hose.

TIP:  If you have a plastic trash can that may warp due to hot water, you can cover the maggots with a large quantity of salt instead. Salt is a natural dehydrator, so it will suffocate maggots in no time.

3. Disinfect with white vinegar solution

Make up a solution of one part distilled white vinegar, and two parts water to disinfect the garbage can. Alongside baking soda, white vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so will remove rotten odors. Then, use a mop to scrub the inside of the garbage can, ensuring to cover all areas including the lid. For best results, allow the solution to sit for up to 30 minutes, so it can work well to remove bacteria.  You can also find out what makes baking soda and vinegar so good at cleaning.

4. Rinse garbage can well

Finally, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Turn the can upside down or leave the lid open for the can to dry completely before putting in a trash bag.  Ensure you use a high-quality bag that won't tear or break easily. This will eliminate any entry points for flies to get in.

How to prevent maggots in your garbage can

• Purchase high-quality garbage bags that won’t tear or break easily

• Always tie up bag securely to prevent any flies entering

• Limit the time meat scraps are left in the garbage. Female flies are attracted to the rotting meat scraps in the garbage can and will enter. Try to dump your meat scraps the night or day before waste disposal collection

• Regular cleaning with a water and vinegar solution can help prevent future infestations

• Use citrus or scented products such as dish soap, or scented cleaners. This will deter flies who are only attracted to foul smells

• Ensure your garbage can is one that closes firmly

If you're bedeviled by other pests, we've also get tips on how to get rid of mosquitoes as well as how to get rid of ants and how to get rid of fleas.

Want to clean out spiders? Here's the answer to if horse chestnuts can keep spiders away.