Maggots in your Bin

Maggots are fly larvae. If flies settle on your rubbish or food they may lay eggs, which can hatch out as maggots within 24 hours (meaning the frequency of refuse collections is irrelevant).

Maggots are unpleasant, but there is no evidence to suggest that they cause health problems. The best approach is to be careful with your rubbish and food and ensure that flies cannot get to it.

To reduce the risk of maggots:

• keep your bin lids closed
• always bag items such as nappies and animal waste
• tie bin bags tightly
• keep food covered inside your home and in the garden
• rinse food off your recycling before you put it in your bin

If you find maggots in your bin, most maggots will go when your bin is emptied. After it has been emptied, you can clean your bin with disinfectant or bleach and plenty of water. A fragranced cleaner will deter flies. If you do not want to wash out your bin, professional bin cleaning companies can be found online or in local papers.

You are responsible for your own waste and the cleanliness of your bin.

For further information, please contact the Streetscene team:

• Email: streetscene@stratford-dc.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01789 260616