How to Get Rid of Maggots: Part 1

You lifted the trash can lid and saw them: that writhing, squirming mass of maggots. Deep breath. We've got you. This isn't a time for lengthy explanations; you want them gone NOW. Let's fix this.

What Actually Kills Maggots?

Here's what works, ranked by how fast and effective each method is.

Boiling Water ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Overall)

This is the answer if you want maggots gone right now. Boiling water kills maggots instantly upon contact. No resistance, no waiting period, and no lingering toxicity whatsoever.

How to do it:
1. Boil a big pot or kettle of water.
2. Carefully pour it directly onto the maggots.
3. Repeat if you see movement.
4. Let the trash can dry completely.

Why it works:
Maggots have no ability to regulate body temperature. Extreme heat kills them all instantly. Moreover, it destroys the unseen eggs attached to the surface.

Pros:
Instant results
No chemicals
No cost
Safe for most trash cans

Cons:
Requires handling carefully to avoid burns.

Salt ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Salt pulls moisture out of maggots' bodies, effectively dehydrating them. It's slower than boiling water, but still effective—and much gentler.

How to do it:
1. Sprinkle a generous layer of salt directly onto the maggots.
2. Use table salt, kosher salt or rock salt.
3. Follow with boiling water for quicker results.

Time to kill: 1–2 hours

Best for:
Indoor trash cans
Situations where hot water isn’t immediately available

Tip: Salt alone will not kill fly eggs. Always follow with deep cleaning.

Vinegar Solution ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vinegar is particularly handy when odor is part of the problem. Acidity kills maggots and upsets the smells that flies find attractive in the first place.

How to do it:
1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap.
3. Pour or spray right on maggots.
4. Wait 30 minutes
5. Rinse Thoroughly

Why dish soap matters:
It breaks surface tension, helping the solution penetrate faster.

Best for:
Mild to Moderate Infestations
Garbage bins with residual odors

Bleach Solution ⭐⭐⭐ (use with caution)

Bleach works but should be a last resort.

How to do it:
1. Mix 1 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water.
2. Pour into the trash can.Let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse Thoroughly

⚠️ Safety Reminders ⚠️
Use outdoors only
Never combine bleach with vinegar or ammonia
Keep pets and children far away

When to Use Bleach Only for severe infestations where other methods have failed.

What Does Not Work (Common Mistakes)

Many people waste time trying these methods—don’t.

Bug spray: only kills adult insects, not larvae
Drowning: maggots can survive underwater surprisingly long
Freezing: too slow to stop active infestation
Fire: dangerous and unnecessary

If it doesn't kill quickly and remove moisture, then it is not effective.

Quick Reference Guide

Boiling water — Instant — Best overall

Salt — 1–2 hrs — No hot water available

Vinegar — ~30 minutes — Also removes odor

Bleach — ~30 minutes — Severe infestations only

After They’re Dead: The Deep Clean (This Is Critical)

Killing visible maggots isn’t enough. Fly eggs are microscopic, and if even a few survive, you'll see maggots again.

Step 1: Remove Everything Bag all trash and dead maggots. Inspect seams, cracks, and the bottom rim.

Step 2: Hose It Down Use strong water pressure to remove residue and stuck debris.

Step 3: Scrub Thoroughly Mix:1 gallon of hot water
1 cup white vinegar
2 tbsp dish soap Scrub all surfaces, paying extra attention to the bottom and drain areas.

Step 4: Disinfect Spray a solution of bleach diluted 1:10. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Step 5: Dry Completely Leave the trash can open in direct sunlight. The single biggest cause of repeat infestations is moisture.

Step 6: (Optional) Deodorize Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom before inserting a new bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can maggots emerge in garbage cans?
A: Flies can bring on maggots as soon as 24 hours after gaining access to food waste.

Q: Do maggots crawl out of trash cans?
A: Yes. If overcrowded or disturbed, maggots will crawl short distances in search of moisture.

Q: Are maggots dangerous to humans?
A: They are not usually dangerous but cite unsanitary conditions and can spread bacteria.

Q: Do maggots eventually disappear on their own?
A: No. They will continue to grow and invite more flies without intervention.

You’re Done for Now

The immediate problem is solved. But without prevention, they often return especially during summer.In

Part 2, we cover how to stop them permanently:
Moisture control
Food waste handling
Odor prevention
Smarter alternatives to traditional trash cans

👉 Next read: How to Prevent Maggots in Your Trash Can