Maggot infestations (commonly referred to as maggots) often occur in litter and under carpets, when flies enter certain areas and lay their eggs. Most of the time, the smell of decaying food attracts flies and worms. If you want to get rid of it, you have to have some determination, but your efforts will pay off. To limit the spread of the larvae, you should eliminate spoiled food, empty and clean the garbage can, disinfect carpets and other areas of the house with steam.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Managing the Worm Infestation in the Garbage Can
Step 1. Remove all rubbish from the bin
You will need a pair of work gloves to get the garbage out of the bucket. Remove any residue left at the bottom and put them in a garbage bag. Throw away everything you've collected during the day or put it in a dumpster.
- It is best to manage the infestation the day after the garbage collection so that the bin is empty.
- It would also be wise to clean the garbage disposal if you suspect it may harbor worms. Pour boiling water and vinegar into the sink drain after cleaning the garbage can.
Step 2. Bring the water to a boil
When you are ready to handle the infestation, fill a large pot with water and turn on the stove. You can also use an electric kettle. Once it comes to a boil, pour it over the worms in the bin.
- Boiling water will immediately kill the larvae;
- Make sure you pour it on every inch of the bin.
Step 3. Clean the trash or garbage can
Empty it of all contents, including dead worms. Rinse it with a garden hose. Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Put on a pair of work gloves and clean the inside with a stiff bristle brush and soapy water.
- You can also use a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts water to clean the bin.
- Also, try scrubbing the inside with peppermint oil - it's a natural worm repellent.
- Do not pour dirty water down a drain or any drain that leads to lakes, rivers, or clean water sources.
Step 4. Dry the dustbin
Since worms love moisture, you need to dry the freshly washed container thoroughly. Put it in the sun. You could also dry it with a few rags.
Repeat the cleaning process every two to three weeks to prevent the problem from recurring
Step 5. Put the garbage bag in the bin
Once you have removed the worms and cleaned the garbage can, you will need to make sure they do not fit. Therefore, put the litter bag inside and attach a large elastic band to the edges so that nothing can get in between the bin and the plastic.
Step 6. Crumble a few eucalyptus and bay leaves around the bin
Flies and worms hate eucalyptus, bay leaf and mint. Then, try crushing a few leaves of these plants by placing the pieces in and around the garbage can.
Part 2 of 4: Get rid of the maggots found on carpets and rugs
Step 1. Collect the worms and freeze them
If you find a colony of maggots in one part of the house, pick them up with the broom and dustpan. Put them in a bag and seal it. Freeze them for at least an hour. Then throw them in an outside bin.
Frost is the least cruel way to kill worms
Step 2. Sprinkle some boric acid on the carpet
Use a broom to apply it and let it penetrate the fibers. Boric acid is a natural insecticide capable of killing maggots.
You can buy it at a pharmacy or on the Internet
Step 3. Use the vacuum cleaner
Wipe it on every corner of the rug or carpet. Then take out the bag and close it in an airtight bag. Freeze the worms so they die. Then, immediately put them in the external waste container.
Frost is the least cruel way to kill worms
Step 4. Get a steam cleaning machine
Purchase a steam cleaner or rent it from a specialist company. It usually doesn't cost much, but you will have a valuable tool that will allow you to get rid of maggots.
Step 5. Purchase an insecticide solution designed specifically for steam cleaning
Choose a product that does not damage rugs and carpets and that is not toxic to people and pets. Follow the directions on the package. Mix the insecticide solution with warm water. Then, add it to the steam cleaner tank.
- You can also use an insecticidal shampoo for animals.
- Try using permethrin to get rid of the larvae that have infested the house.
Step 6. Use the steam cleaning machine
Pass it on all rugs and carpets at least twice to remove the larvae and exterminate them.
If you can, throw away the used water in an airtight container
Part 3 of 4: Using an Insecticide
Step 1. Buy a non-toxic insecticide
Read the label of the various products carefully so that you can choose one that does not harm the health of the whole family, including dogs and cats as well as children. A safe and non-toxic cleaner that allows you to get rid of worms is insecticidal shampoo for animals. Read the ingredients list to make sure it contains pesticides.
Step 2. Dilute the pet shampoo with warm water in a spray bottle
You will need to boil the water and pour it into the spray with the insecticide. Then spray the solution on the infested area. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse the area.
Combine two parts of water and one part of insecticide
Step 3. Collect the dead larvae
You can use a broom and dustpan or a paper towel for this. Put them in an airtight bag. Throw the worms and used paper into the bin or outer bin.
Step 4. Disinfect the area with an antibacterial product
You could use a solution of warm water and vinegar. After disinfecting the surface, be sure to dry it thoroughly to prevent flies from being attracted by the moisture that builds up.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing a Worm Infestation
Step 1. Use self-sealing bins at home
These are containers that close automatically, preventing worms from entering. As soon as they fill up, take out the garbage bag and place it in the external litter bin.
- If the lid breaks, buy a new bin.
- To avoid attracting flies, seal leftovers in airtight bags before throwing them away.
- Do not let the garbage can overflow with waste.
Step 2. Put fly paper all over the house
These are adhesive strips that catch and trap flies in the house. Place them near the garbage can and in areas where these insects tend to concentrate, such as near the sink.
Step 3. Install mosquito nets on all windows and doors
If you already have them fitted, make sure there are no rips or holes as flies may use them to enter the house.
Step 4. Pour a mixture of water and bleach down the sink drain
This will eliminate all bacteria that can promote the proliferation of flies. You should clean it with bleach every two weeks.
- Dilute 120ml of bleach in 3.5L of water.
- You could also use a solution consisting of 180 g of baking soda and 240 ml of vinegar. Pour it down the drain and run the water for a minute to clean the pipes thoroughly.
Step 5. Store expired meat products in the refrigerator or freezer until the day you can throw them in the trash
Wrap them in newspaper or put them in a plastic bag. Freeze them until garbage collection day, when you can throw them out with the rest of the garbage.
Step 6. Wash all food containers before throwing them away
This will prevent leftovers from rotting in the bin and attracting flies.
Step 7. Keep your pets' food indoors
If you leave it outside, it could attract flies which will inevitably tend to concentrate in the area where your furry friends are used to eating and from here find easy access to enter the house. On the other hand, if you bring it inside, the risk of them depositing eggs on or near the bowl will be less.
Advice
- Worms multiply in humid climates. Thoroughly dry your trash cans and household surfaces.
- Meat-based foods, fruits and vegetables are particularly attracting to worms. Be sure to empty the bucket frequently, especially if you often throw away such leftovers.
- Always close the bucket.
- To avoid further worm infestations, be sure to empty the bin often and use sturdy litter bags.
- Seal wet waste in smaller plastic bags before throwing it into the bucket.
Warnings
- Do not use toxic insecticides in the home, as they can be harmful to humans and pets.
- Never mix bleach with other products, especially if they contain ammonia.
- Do not pour toxic substances down drains or manholes. Ammonia is extremely harmful to marine life.
