You opened your trash bin and there they are. Dozens or hundreds of small white larvae writhing at the bottom. It is one of the most unpleasant discoveries a homeowner can make, but it is also one of the most common calls we get during Texas summers. Here is exactly what to do.
Immediate Steps
First, do not panic. Maggots are fly larvae and while they are disgusting, they do not directly harm humans. Do not pour bleach into the bin. Do not try to hose them out with cold water.
A common immediate step is pouring boiling or very hot water directly into the bin. A thick layer of table salt is another household approach that acts as a desiccant. Follow the directions on anything you use, and use your own judgment.
After the Immediate Fix
Once the maggots are dead, the bin needs a thorough professional cleaning. Killing the maggots does not remove the organic material that attracted the flies in the first place. Without a complete cleaning, flies will return and lay new eggs within days.
Why Professional Hot-Water Pressure Washing Helps
Hot-water pressure washing at temperatures up to 250°F is used to loosen and remove grease, food residue, film and stubborn buildup. Removing that residue removes what the cycle depends on. Results vary according to the condition of the cart and the residue present.
Prevention Going Forward
The simplest prevention is a monthly cleaning schedule. Keep Bin Clean serves Pflugerville, Hutto, Manor, and Round Rock with professional bin cleaning starting at $20 per completed visit for one bin or $25 for two bins, plus $5 for each additional bin. These are our current launch prices; customers who enroll at a launch price keep that price for their initial 12-month term. We clean at your curb after trash day, which removes the organic residue the cycle depends on.