While maggots are sometimes used to treat wounds and ulcers, they are generally unwelcome in homes. These tiny grubs can get into trash cans or infect fruits and vegetables in the kitchen, causing a lot of nuisance and health hazards. If one does not eliminate them, maggots can grow into flies and spread all over. Fortunately, there are several household products and DIY ways that can help get rid of maggots quickly.
About maggot infestations
Before knowing what kills maggots, it is important to understand what they are and where they come from. Essentially, maggots are the larvae of the generic housefly, meaning they are released from the eggs laid by it. Maggots end up eating anything and everything that helps them grow into adult flies, but they are especially attracted to waste products and leftover food. Since these are generally found in indoor spaces like kitchens and pantries, homes are often the prime target of a maggot infestation.
Signs of an infestation
One can recognize a maggot infestation in the house from certain common signs.
- An unpleasant and strong odor emanating from the compost bin or the trash can
- An unusually large number of flies around the house
- Presence of grubs, pupae, or adult flies in the soil near the house
Maggots live for around five to ten days, depending on the environmental conditions, but can continuously reproduce when not eliminated. This means the infestation can last an indefinite period.
Ways to get rid of maggots
Once the signs of an infestation become evident, it’s time to take a few measures to get rid of maggots.
Pour boiling water
One of the simplest ways to get rid of maggots is to pour boiling water over them. Place a large vessel of water over a burner on high heat for around five minutes. When the water starts bubbling, gently pour it over the infested areas. The extreme heat of the boiling water will kill the larvae within seconds, preventing the infestation from spreading and making it easy to get rid of the waste on which they were feeding.
It is recommended to use this method only if the infestation is outdoors or is restricted to a garbage bin. Pouring boiling water over the home’s carpets and walls can lead to moisture and heat buildup, causing mold growth and structural damage. Also, when pouring hot water into a trash can, ensure its lid is closed to trap the heat inside.
Use diatomaceous earth
Made with fossilized algae, diatomaceous earth is a great organic remedy to get rid of maggots quickly. All one has to do is sprinkle the powder over the infested areas, whether compost bins, trash cans, baseboards, or carpets. Being a natural dehydrator, diatomaceous earth sticks to the maggots’ bodies and draws out the moisture to kill them. Although a great remedy, ensure to exercise caution while using diatomaceous earth since it is an irritant that can harm pets and kids.
Sprinkle rock salt
Rock salt works like diatomaceous earth, instantly drawing out water from maggots’ bodies to eliminate them. To try this remedy, take a scoop of rock salt and sprinkle it liberally over the infested areas, ensuring all maggots are completely covered. As the salt starts to draw out the water from the larvae, they will start dying instantly. If there is still some movement after a couple of minutes, sprinkle some more salt over them. This method can be particularly useful to get rid of maggot infestations in the garden or yard.
Spray white vinegar
Since it is impossible for maggots to survive in a highly acidic environment, vinegar makes for a good natural remedy. Prepare a solution by adding one part of white vinegar to three parts of water and spray it over the affected area. Let the solution sit for at least an hour before getting rid of the larvae and sanitizing the place.
Make a spray with water and bleach
Bleach and its fumes can help get rid of maggots instantly, making it an ideal ingredient to tackle an infestation. To make this spray solution, mix equal amounts of water and bleach. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle and liberally use it in the infested areas. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before dumping the mixture and disposing of the maggots.
As flies are found nearly everywhere, it is difficult to completely avoid these household pests. That said, there are ways to make the home less attractive to maggots or flies and prevent their infestation in the first place. One of the top things to do to prevent maggots is to ensure no rotten or perishable food items are left in the open around the house. Remember, maggots are typically drawn towards anything that’s dirty and rotting. In a house, they look for decomposing and perishable items, such as leftover food.
If a maggot infestation occurs even after taking the necessary precautions, the natural remedies can help get rid of them. But ensure the infestation is completely destroyed, or else it will keep returning, causing a lot of inconvenience.
