Clean Bins Now
Which? Urges Households to Clean Wheelie Bins Regularly to Prevent Summer Maggot Infestations
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Consumer group Which? is urging every UK household with a wheelie bin to clean it now — before summer heat turns it into a breeding ground for maggots. Warm temperatures, food scraps, and trapped moisture combine to create the perfect conditions for flies to lay eggs, according to Which?.
The warning comes as temperatures rise across the UK. Flies are drawn to bins by food smells, and once inside, they can lay hundreds of eggs that hatch into maggots within 24 hours. A few simple steps, Which? says, can stop the problem before it starts.
Why Summer Bins Become a Maggot Hotspot
Heat is the key trigger. When a wheelie bin sits in direct sunlight, the temperature inside can spike quickly. That warmth speeds up the breakdown of food waste, creating strong odours that attract flies, according to Essex Live. Once flies get inside and find food scraps, they lay eggs fast.
Trapped moisture makes things worse. Liquid from food packaging or rotting scraps pools at the bottom of a bin. This wet, warm environment is ideal for maggots to survive and grow. Even a bin that looks clean on the outside can harbour a serious problem inside.
Which? Top Tips to Keep Your Bin Maggot-Free
Which? recommends four key steps. First, keep your bin in the shade — direct sunlight heats the bin and speeds up decay. Second, always keep the lid fully closed. An open lid lets smells escape and gives flies easy access, according to Gloucestershire Live.
Third, wrap food scraps in compostable bags before putting them in the bin. This cuts down on leaks and reduces the smell that draws flies in. Fourth, rinse or wipe down the inside of your bin every few weeks during summer. A quick clean stops residue from building up and becoming a bigger problem later, Leicester Mercury reported.
How to Clean a Wheelie Bin Properly
Which? says you do not need special products to clean a bin. Hot water and washing-up liquid work well. Pour the mixture inside, scrub with a long-handled brush, and rinse it out. Do this on collection day so the bin is empty. That makes the job much easier and less messy.
For a deeper clean, a diluted bleach solution can kill bacteria and remove stubborn smells. Always wear gloves and rinse the bin thoroughly after using bleach. Lincolnshire Live noted that doing this every two to four weeks through summer is enough to keep bins fresh and fly-free.
What to Do If Maggots Have Already Appeared
If maggots are already in your bin, do not panic. Boiling water poured directly onto them kills them quickly. Remove as many as you can, then clean the bin thoroughly with hot soapy water and a brush, according to Cornwall Live.
After clearing the maggots, sprinkle a small amount of salt or use a pet-safe insecticide spray to deter flies from returning. Then follow the prevention steps going forward — shade, a closed lid, bagged food waste, and regular cleaning. Which? says these habits take only minutes but make a big difference across the summer months.
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