What Are Maggots? And How To Protect Yourself!

Maggots can be a troubling nuisance in households. Though small, these unsettling creatures can provoke fear when discovered in trash or on food. Fortunately, they are not typically harmful, but it’s essential to understand their origins and how to handle encounters with them.

If you find maggots in a trash can, whether inside or outside your home, it’s crucial to remove the trash immediately and dispose of it properly. After that, clean and rinse the bin thoroughly. Be sure to spray both the inside and outside of the container with a disinfectant or insecticide to eliminate any remaining eggs, maggots, or flies. CONTINUE BELOW

To prevent maggots from becoming a problem in the future, it’s important to adopt some proactive measures. Make sure trash cans are tightly sealed and emptied regularly to avoid attracting flies. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills or crumbs. Additionally, regularly inspect areas where food waste might accumulate, such as compost bins, and keep them clean and well-maintained. By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering maggots in your household.

What do maggots look like? They are small, worm-like larvae, usually whitish-cream in color, lacking legs and eyes. They often appear in large numbers since female flies can lay thousands of eggs at once. “When the tiny larvae hatch, they’re so small that they can squeeze into the tiniest gaps, cracks, and crevices,” explains Green. CONTINUE BELOW