Living in a neighborhood with an irregular garbage removal routine is bound to bring forth a maggot infestation. The very sight of maggots (fly larvae) filling up your trash cans and squirming about can feel nauseating and make you want to throw up.
On top of that, there are obvious health hazards to watch out for, thus warranting a quick removal.
Thankfully, there are a ton of essential oils for maggots that can help put a stopper on any possibilities of an infestation. They are incredibly effective for keeping these worms at bay while infusing fragrance into areas prone to an attack.
Keep on reading to find out how you can combat such scenarios and ensure they never occur again.
The Role of Essential Oils
Essential oils really do come in handy when you’re dealing with a maggot infestation. However, you must understand that it is not a maggot killer but functions more as a repellant. Although it won’t kill off any in a garbage can, it can stop maggots from laying eggs there.
Essential oils have a unique chemical combination that helps to keep maggots away. Furthermore, its fragrance tends to have a repelling effect on them as well. Therefore, a routine infusion of essential oils in the garbage cans will ensure that maggots do not come anywhere near your home ever.
Top 5 Essential Oils for Maggot Removal
Wondering which essential oils are the best for preventing maggot infestations?
Below is a list of 5 of the most effective options in this regard that can get the job done with superb efficiency.
1. Peppermint Oil
One of the best essential oils that are great for removing maggots is peppermint oil. Not only are they significantly effective as a repellant, but they are very fragrant and give off a nice smell.
Furthermore, peppermint oil is also effective essential oil against other forms of vermin and rodents, making it versatile in use.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is a great choice when you’re trying to keep your trashcan free from a maggot invasion. It also helps to keep your home environment fresh by masking the smell of trash.
The sweetness of cinnamon is perfect for hiding the stink a trashcan in a neighborhood with an irregular cleanup routing can emanate.
3. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil is the perfect choice for those who do not want to bother with cleanup if maggots show up in their trashcan. For starters, its fragrance is strong and intense, overpowering any odor that might be around with ease.
Moreover, any maggots that might find their way into the can will disintegrate if they come in touch with the oil.
4. Lavender Oil
If you prefer a more herbal solution for keeping away maggots, then lavender oil is an excellent pick. Almost anyone can make it due to its extremely simple recipe.
It has no chemicals, making it safe for use and free from any toxins. Furthermore, it has a soothing smell that is not too intense yet effective.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
Yet another wonderful essential oil choice if you prefer floral fragrances while combating possible maggot infestation, the eucalyptus oil is extremely effective.
Its chemical construction is perfect for keeping maggots at bay, while its rich fragrance hides all forms of stink.
When applying it, combine it with liquid soap, and it will even prevent flies from hovering over trashcans.
How do I Stop a Maggot Infestation in My Trash Can?
There’s a high chance that your trash can is already hosting a maggot infestation-if you’re reading this article. Therefore, it’s crucial to eliminate this scenario before applying essential oils.
Follow the steps below to remove maggots from the trash can.
1. Throwing Out the Garbage
First of all, you need to clear your trash can completely. Doing anything else before this step always runs the risk of maggots getting transferred to another place.
Start by throwing out the big pieces of garbage and then scour the bin for the little bits and pieces that might still be in it. These will attract flies, which will bring about the maggot infestation.
2. Washing the Can with Hot Water
Once your trashcan is completely empty of all of its content, it’s time to wash it thoroughly and rigorously. Have a pot of water ready and ensure it’s boiling hot. Pour it on the interior and exterior of the can and ensure that the water covers every inch of its body.
The hot water will ensure that any remaining maggots or eggs are dead and removed. After that, put the trashcan out in the sunlight and let it dry out.
3. Scrub the Can Rigorously
Now comes the step where you have to get down and dirty. Take a brush or mop, dip it in a cleaning solution of your choice and get to scrubbing down the trashcan.
If you want to use something more natural, you can also make your own vinegar mixture to kill maggots.
Another combination can be a mix of alcohol and water.
4. Rinse and Dry
After the scrubbing is over, take a hose and start washing down the garbage can again. Wash it from every possible angle and ensure that the water enters every part of the can.
Once it’s completely hosed, let it dry in the sun. Be sure the lid stays open so that its interior also becomes dry. Sunlight also helps to sterilize any remaining germs.
Conclusion
Essential oils for maggots are among the most reliable and safest solutions for dealing with maggot infestation. Not only is it effective as a repellant, but it’s also a more pleasant option than most other alternatives.
Therefore, it’s best to buy some immediately and sprinkle it around your trashcans if you don’t want to face a maggot infestation.
The key thing is to stop flies to stop maggots. Consider setting up some fly traps, replace your trash bags regularly, ensure your garbage bin is clean, and load up a spray bottle with some of the essential oils above and you are good to go!
There are other ways to kill maggots in your home, such as vinegar, or salt. If you want to kill maggots using natural methods, like essential oils, then you should consider these as part of the solution.
Good luck!
