Maggots are transparent wiggly insects that show up anywhere there’s filth. No wonder they disgust a lot of people while others are quite scared of them.
Maggots may appear in spaces you tend to neglect, such as your garage. In this article, we will learn how to get rid of them and prevent a further outbreak.
What Are Maggots?
Maggots are the larvae of the common housefly or bluebottle. They have a creamy or whitish appearance with a dark spot at the bottom they use for breathing. They are worm-like, short in length, and fat.
A female fly will live for about a month and, during that time, lay 500-2000 eggs in batches. These eggs hatch after 24 hours— leading to the emergence of tiny maggots.
For about five days, these insects feed on waste, decaying carcasses, and rotten food. Maggots do not have teeth— they secrete enzymes that break down dead tissue.
They grow very quickly, and because of this, they must molt. They will molt three times— during the third time, the larvae will dig into what they’ve been feeding on.
Their appearance will change to a darkened and hardened one as they enter the pupa stage. The hardened shell is where the larva starts to develop body segments and grow into an adult housefly.
This cycle takes about one to four weeks to complete.
Despite how offputting they appear, maggots are not dangerous. In fact, they are eaten as a delicacy in some parts of the world.
They’re also used in forensic science, therapy during some medical practices, and as bait for fishing.
However, it is advised to steer clear and get rid of them as soon as possible. One of the reasons why is because of places they lurk, which include:
These places can harbor lots of bacteria harmful to humans. But maggots on their own aren’t a threat to our health and wellness.
Another reason why it is important to get rid of them is they morph into house flies. These houseflies pose a lot of problems of their own.
Lastly, maggots can be a threat to your pets again due to the pathogens they may carry.
How to Get Rid Of Maggots In The Garage?
1. Locate Infested Area
This is the first step in getting rid of maggots, whether in the garage or any other part of your house.
Look out for the following spots in your garage:
- Bags of decaying garden produce
- Potting soil or compost bags that are not adequately sealed
- Dead rodent carcasses
- Trash Bins that are not cleaned regularly
- Around wash basins
- Any area from where a foul smell is emanating from
You might also want to take out some stuff in your garage to ensure none are hiding in a corner.
Maggots can also hide in your garden. If you notice any plants dying even after trying all you can to revive them, you might want to dig the ground to check further.
Some maggots like to feed on plants.
2. Eliminate The Eggs And Maggots
There are two ways to go about this— using natural remedies or with insecticides.
Whatever method you use, take every single maggot out before going to the next step. Do not forget to wear masks and gloves if using strong chemicals.
Insecticides may not be a great option if you’re treating the area around your garden. Instead, use a vegetable and fruit spray or a salt solution to get rid of them.
3. Clean Up
Wash, rinse, and clean the affected area and the surroundings with bleach. Do another inspection to make sure you got every maggot.
Some Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Maggots
These methods will come in handy for people who do not like to use chemicals in their homes.
1. Use Salt
Maggots depend on water to live and survive. Salt is a natural dehydrator that will dry them out if sprinkled in a significant amount.
2. Hot water
Another quick and easy method of getting rid of maggots is using hot water. You will need to repeat this process until they are all gone.
3. White Vinegar
Mix water and vinegar together, then let it sit for about ten minutes. After that, pour it down the affected area. Lime or lemon juice can also be used as a substitute.
4. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring substance with many uses, one of which includes getting rid of maggots.
You need to sprinkle a good amount around the infested area. This powder works by sticking to their body and dehydrating the exoskeleton, leading to their demise.
Dispose of the remains in a plastic bag and clean the area.
Other Products That Can Eliminate Maggots
1. Insect Repellants
They can eliminate maggots and flies very easily. Most of them can be sprayed or come in a powdered form.
Some have an elongated attachment to give more control in tight spaces and crevices.
2. Glue Traps
Glue Traps can be used indoors and outdoors to trap flies and maggots.
Place it in areas where they are easily attracted to it. You can catch a relatively large population at once.
3. Dish Soaps Containing Borax
Dish Soap containing borax effectively eliminates large numbers of insects at once. Just dilute a reasonable amount with water and pour on the affected areas.
4. Bug Zappers
You can place an electronic bug zapper in the garage. These devices attract insects with UV light and take them out by shocking them.
It will help take out flies before they can lay eggs.
5. Home Made Trap
You can also catch flies using a homemade trap. Just find a suitable container and fill it with sugar solution.
The container must allow the flies to get in easily but unable to escape once inside.
6. Professional Services
If the infestation affects several areas of the house or if it keeps recurring after you’ve gotten rid of them, that’s a sign to call a professional exterminator.
Some Preventive Steps To Stop Maggot Infestation
Timely action can prevent a maggot infestation altogether. Make sure to follow the below measures:
Conclusion
Apart from being an eyesore, maggots thrive in your homes until they molt and become a force to reckon with. Follow this handy guide to get rid of them.
One of the other things you can do for your house is preventing their infestation. Keeping your environment clean is a big step towards this.
