1. Wrap leftovers before throwing them away.
One of the simplest ways to prevent this is to wrap food scraps before throwing them in the trash.
Useful packing materials include:
- Newspaper
- Paper bags
- Compostable linings
- Food packaging paper
This makes it more difficult for flies to reach the waste.
2. Lower the moisture content
Moisture is one of the main causes of maggot infestations.
By keeping waste as dry as possible, the environment becomes much less attractive.
Many homeowners place absorbent materials at the bottom of the trash can, including:
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Paper towels
- Straw
These materials help absorb excess moisture before it accumulates.
3. Use salt sparingly.
Some people sprinkle a small amount of salt over leftovers.
Salt can help lower the moisture content and make the environment less attractive to larvae.
However, avoid excessive use if the waste is intended for composting.
4. Improve the airflow
Waste bins that remain damp for a long time form an ideal breeding ground.
Where practical and safe, better ventilation can help reduce condensation and excess humidity.
5. Place the trash cans in the shade.
Direct sunlight heats the contents of a trash can and accelerates the decomposition process.
Place waste bins outside, if possible, in a shady spot to keep the temperature lower.
You can read more about how to remove existing maggots on the next page.
