Maggots are fly larvae which are not a pleasant sight to see or be around. They are usually found in dirty, unclean, or unhygienic environments. Maggots contaminate the food and the surrounding areas, polluting them more. If you spot maggots in your home, it is crucial to get rid of them as soon as possible so that the infestation does not become a problem.
In this article, we will discuss some natural and chemical remedies that can effectively kill maggots. Learning some effective preventive measures so that homeowners can avoid these unwanted intruders in the future is equally important.
How to Get Rid of Maggots: A Complete Guide
What Are Maggots?
As mentioned earlier, maggots are fly larvae that are usually found in dirty parts of the house, on stale/uncovered food, or on organic material. They are small, white, or peeled insects. Their numbers multiply and increase rapidly. Flies lay their eggs in places where they can get ample food, and within 8-20 hours these larvae come out.
How Do Maggots Come?
Organic waste plays the biggest role in attracting maggots. When you do not keep your house or kitchen clean, flies get a breeding ground. Flies deposit their eggs in dirty places like dustbins, rotten fruits, or dead animals. These eggs hatch and turn into maggots that spread quickly.
Let's discuss some effective methods to get rid of maggots:
Effective Ways to Kill Maggots
Now that we know about maggots and how they end up in homes, it's crucial to learn the methods to kill them. We will discuss some effective methods which are necessary to kill maggots. These methods can be natural as well as chemical, so that you can choose the solution according to your preference.
Boiling Water Method
The simplest and most effective method to kill maggots is to pour boiling hot water on them. Maggots die instantly when boiled water is poured on them. All you have to do is identify the area with maggots and pour boiling water over them.
Follow these steps to use this method:
- Identify the area with maggots.
- Boil water in a kettle.
- Pour the boiled water directly over the maggots.
Vinegar and Salt Method
A mixture of vinegar and salt is also a very good option for killing maggots. The acidic nature of vinegar and salt absorbs the moisture from the maggots, which kills them.
For this method, you have to follow these easy steps:
- Make a solution of one part vinegar and one part water. Take the same amount of vinegar as the amount of water you're using.
- If you're using one cup of water, make sure to add one cup of vinegar to it.
- Add salt to it.
- Spray this solution on the maggots.
Borax Powder
Borax powder is an effective chemical method that can help you get rid of maggots instantly. Borax powder is harmful not only for maggots but for pets and kids as well. Be careful while using it, and make sure it does not come near pets or small children.
For this method:
- Sprinkle Borax powder thoroughly in the affected area.
- Let it sit there for 15-20 minutes.
- Clean the killed maggots.
Neem Oil Method
Using neem oil is also a good and natural way to kill maggots. The insecticidal and antibacterial properties of neem are useful in killing maggots. This method is also a safer option compared to the chemical methods that can be harmful to pets and humans.
You can easily kill maggots by following these easy steps:
- Make a solution of neem oil and water. Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water. Pour that into a spray bottle. Shake well.
- Spray this solution directly on the infected area or on the maggots.
Regularly spraying this solution will eliminate the infestation of maggots. Neem oil can be found at gardening stores or online. Keep it out of reach of children and pets during application.
Chemical Sprays (Insecticides)
If natural methods are not working, homeowners can also use chemical methods such as insecticides. There are many types of insecticides available in the market that can help in killing maggots. But it is important to take proper precautions while using them.
Homeowners should follow proper protocol and instructions while using chemical methods.
Make sure to follow these steps:
- Choose a suitable insecticide.
- Spray as per instructions.
- Clean the affected area.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Maggots
Now that we have learned the ways to kill maggots let us see how you can avoid maggot infestation in the future:
Keeping the House Clean
The most effective way to avoid maggots is to always keep the house clean. Never leave organic waste and leftover food items open for too long. It is very important to clean the dustbins regularly and keep them dry.
Disposing of the Trash Properly
Keep the dustbins thoroughly cleaned and remove the garbage from them on a regular basis. If you do not dispose of the trash properly, flies can land inside them, which then becomes the cause of maggot infestation.
Preventing Flies From Entering the House
The first and foremost step should be making sure that no-fly enters the home. If you prevent flies from entering the house, you can also avoid maggots. Use fly screens and kill them as soon as you spot them. You can use fly sprays or traps to control them.
Keep Compost Bins Covered
Homeowners who compost in their gardens should keep compost bins well-covered. Flies can deposit eggs inside compost, which then gives birth to maggots.
Conclusion
Maggots can become a serious problem and a health hazard if their infestation is not handled early. But with the above-mentioned steps and methods, you can easily kill them. Always keep your home clean, do proper waste disposal, and follow preventive measures to prevent maggots from becoming a problem in the future.
Both natural and chemical methods given in this guide are effective, you just have to choose the right solution as per your convenience and requirement.
