Maggot Prevention and Control

What are maggots?

Maggots are the larvae of flies (Musca domestica) and are found throughout the world. Maggot larvae are 4-10mm long & cream in colour.

They feed on organic waste such as rotting food & feces.

Life cycle of the housefly:

Egg: Adult flies can lay between 75 - 150 eggs at a time, over several batches.

Maggots (larvae): Eggs hatch into maggots approximately 12 hours after being laid. Maggots moult twice.

Pupae: Within five to seven days, the maggot turns into a pupae. The pupae is approximately 8mm long & brown in colour.

Adult fly: After approximately 20 days the adult fly emerges. It is able to reproduce within 36 hours.

Killing maggots:

• Unfortunately, fly spray can only kill adult flies, but won't work on maggots.

• In Australia, there is a product available from supermarkets or hardware stores called Bin Kill. This product contains chemicals inside that kill both adult flies & maggots. It is hung on the inside of outdoor bins.

• Boiling water is an effective method of killing maggots. Pour directly over them. Hot water will not suffice, it must be boiling. Add some bleach for extra measure!

• If maggots are on floors or benches, sweep into a bucket or container & then pour boiling water over them.

• Sweep up maggots, place in a sealable plastic bag & freeze (not my chosen method, but one that works if you don't feel comfortable using boiling water on them).

• Pour salt over them.

How to I prevent maggots?

• Eliminate flies. Read here for information on how to get rid of flies.

• Do not leave food lying around for flies to lay eggs on. Either store in the refrigerator or in an air tight container.

• Do not leave moist pet food lying around. Leave out for a certain period (30 minutes or so), and dispose of any uneaten food.

• Wash pet food bowls daily.

• If possible, avoid putting food in the outdoor bin until shortly before your garbage is collected. The best method (where possible) is to store meat waste, double wrapped in the freezer. Take out the evening before your waste is collected.

• Rinse all food & drink containers before putting in the recycling bin.

• Do not leave pet feces lying around (in the garden or litter trays). Dispose of at least once a day.

• Scrape off feces from nappies & flush down the toilet. Double Wwrap disposable nappies in plastic prior to disposing.

• Regularly clean your bins.

• Make sure all bins are properly sealed.

• Sprinkle a few drops of citronella or tea tree oil into your outdoor bin.

• Store outdoor bins in a shady area as this helps keep the heat & smells down, which attract flies.

Also see:

How To Get Rid Of Flies