Can Maggots Eat Through Plastic Garbage Bags?
But Why Not?
In contrast, the garbage that is not biodegradable, such as plastic bags, and paper, is unaffected. An airtight plastic bag prevents maggots from gaining access to decomposing food. Maggots in food within a stuffed plastic bag indicate that fly eggs entered the bag before its closure.
These worms cannot penetrate plastic bags or trash cans because they lack the requisite adaptations.
They will perish if they are there before the plastic bag is put over them and do not get air. Lack of oxygen will inhibit their regular functioning. Like people, maggots need oxygen in the air to persist and develop correctly. They will begin to suffocate if their oxygen supply is cut off.
The larvae cannot swallow anything if they die of asphyxia inside the plastic bag. Sterilizing most plastic bags is another reason larvae cannot eat through them.
How Do These Maggots Sneak Inside My House?
When food, particularly meat or vegetables, is left unprepared for too long, it may attract maggots. Larvae are drawn to the smell of spoiled food and will frequently infest anything nearby. They may easily squeeze through the tiniest openings in walls to access the house's food supplies and breeding grounds. It could result in an infestation that rapidly extends throughout the residence.
If Exposed To Sunlight, Do Maggots Perish?
Direct exposure to intense light, such as that from the Sun, may kill maggots. If you choose this path, the trash can may become too hot in the Sun, attracting even more insects.
Maggots carry light-sensitive cells all over their bodies, which prevents them from surviving in the Sun. When they see daylight, they want to flee as soon as possible. You are also mistaken if you believe that the Sun will eradicate all of them. This strategy is ineffective because some larvae may be immune to the Sun's rays.
Do Maggots Choke In A Plastic Sack?
The maggots within the plastic bag will likely die from a lack of oxygen if the bag is securely sealed. There may be fly eggs or bug larvae inside the bag before it is sealed. Eggs may develop into larvae even without oxygen, but pupae need it.
Randall Edwards
Methods For Preventing The Spread Of Maggots In A Garbage Can
You can eradicate the problem with maggots using one of several methods. If you examine the following options, you should uncover at least one that meets your requirements.
Insecticide
When it comes to getting rid of maggots, insecticide is the way. Stores sell pesticides designed to kill flies, but you probably already have everything. All-purpose bug sprays will kill both garbage larvae and flying insects. A full spray of the insecticide on the garbage bin and 30 minutes is all that's required.
Boiling Water
The easiest and safest method to eradicate maggots is to flow boiling water. Larvae are killed quickly by boiling water on them, but you must be careful to kill them all. Even if some maggots survive being doused with water, most will not. It's also possible to fill the trash can with hot water. However, any eggs spread in the trash can would perish if you used this method.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is another effective and simple method of killing maggots. Vinegar solutions are made by combining equal parts vinegar and hot water. Spray the solution wherever you see maggots, and then use a scrub brush to remove them from the inside of the trash can.
Give it 30 minutes before you start rinsing your trash can to ensure the solution has taken effect.
Bleach
A bleach solution is created by combining equal parts bleach and warm water, and it is used in the same ways as vinegar. If there is no spray bottle, gently swirl this solution around the inside walls of the trash can. Then, give your garbage can a good rinse for a few minutes.
Freezing
Fly larvae and eggs in your trash are killed by freezing them. Putting the entire container in the freezer is all that is required. It's important to note that this strategy is only viable for people who have access to a freezer large enough to store a complete outdoor trash can or are dealing with a maggot infestation in a small trash can.
Household Cleaners
Household cleaners are another thing you're likely to have on hand that might assist you in eliminating the maggots. Hot water and any available cleaning chemical should eliminate the larvae. In addition to eradicating the fly larvae your trash attracts, they will cleanse the trash can.
Salt and lime
You may already know maggots are killed with salt since it dries them out. That is true; when combined with lime, the effect is magnified. Combine the two in equal parts and scatter the resulting powder wherever maggots are a problem. You may always add another layer if you discover it has yet to eliminate the threat effectively.
Compost Pile
We also have a remedy for you if you want to remove the maggots from your garbage can though you don't like to harm them. When in the right place, fly larvae may do a lot of good. Moving them from the garbage can to the compost bin or pile outside is simple. Maggots are beneficial in a compost pile because they consume decaying organic material, hastening the composting process.
Some Useful Tips to Keep Them Away From Kitchen
Having maggots in your home and on your food is a nightmare that no one wants to experience, so it's only natural that you would want to learn how to eliminate them. Suppose you have recently discovered these worms in the kitchen and are searching for methods to prevent their return. Please take the following measures to eliminate them.
- You should remove dust, debris, and crumbs from the countertops.
- Find a nearby trash can and remove any food waste that could attract vermin regularly.
- The best way to prevent them from settling in the pipes is to flush them with hot water, especially after washing dishes or removing food grease.
- Eliminating all possible access sites will keep pests out.
Conclusion
Plastic bags are resistant to maggots. Flies' larvae, named “maggots,” are primarily interested in the decaying matter in the trash can. It is their main source of nutrition. You can get rid of them following the above guide.
