Got Maggots in Your Trash Bin? (Or Other Pests) Here’s What to Do:
Have you ever opened your trash bin only to find maggots writhing at the bottom? Or maybe you’ve noticed a swarm of ants, a wasp nest forming, or even cockroaches scurrying away when you take out the trash. Trash bins are a hotspot for pests, especially in warm weather, and once they invade, they can be tough to get rid of.
In this post, we’ll break down what maggots are, why they appear in your trash bin, what other pests love to take shelter in your garbage cans, and—most importantly—how to get rid of them for good.
What Are Maggots, and Why Are They in My Trash Can?
Maggots are the larval stage of flies—most commonly houseflies. Flies lay their eggs in rotting food, organic waste, or other decomposing material, and within a day or two, those eggs hatch into maggots. If your trash bin smells like a buffet of decaying food, it’s the perfect breeding ground for flies.
Flies are attracted to:
Food scraps (especially meat, dairy, and fruit)
Spilled liquids (soda, juice, beer, or anything sugary)
Pet waste
Rotting organic matter (like grass clippings or wet paper towels)
Once maggots hatch, they feed on whatever organic waste is available before pupating into adult flies, starting the cycle all over again.
Other Pests That Love Trash Bins
Maggots aren’t the only unwanted guests that love dirty trash bins. Here are a few other pests you might find lurking inside your garbage can:
1. Ants
Ants love sugar and grease. If there’s even the smallest residue of food waste in your bin, they’ll find their way inside. Once ants establish a trail, they’ll keep coming back until the source is removed.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in dark, moist, and food-rich environments—like the bottom of a grimy trash can. These pests are especially problematic because they can carry bacteria and allergens.
3. Wasps & Hornets
If your trash bin contains sweet-smelling food or sugary drinks, wasps and hornets may become frequent visitors. They sometimes even build nests inside or near trash bins, creating a dangerous situation.
4. Rodents (Mice & Rats)
While less common inside the bin itself, rodents are attracted to overflowing trash cans or bins that aren’t properly sealed. They feed on food scraps and use shredded waste to build nests.
Why Do Pests Love Trash Bins?
Trash bins are like a 5-star buffet for pests. Here’s why they’re so attractive:
Food & Organic Waste – Decomposing food releases strong odors that attract pests looking for an easy meal.
Moisture & Residue – Even if you’ve emptied the bin, leftover liquids and residue from spills create a breeding ground for bacteria and insects.
Dark & Warm Spaces – The inside of a trash bin provides a sheltered environment where pests can feed and reproduce undisturbed.
Lack of Cleaning – If a bin is rarely (or never) cleaned, buildup from food waste and bacteria makes it a haven for maggots, ants, and roaches.
How to Get Rid of Maggots & Pests in Your Trash Bin
Once pests infest your trash bin, they won’t leave until their food source is eliminated. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Clean & Sanitize Your Bin
The best way to eliminate maggots, ants, and other pests is to thoroughly clean and sanitize your trash bin. That’s where The Bin Spa comes in!
We pressure wash your bins with high-temperature water to kill maggots, bacteria, and odors.
We use sanitizing agents to disinfect the entire bin, eliminating residue and stopping pests from coming back.
We leave your bin fresh, clean, and pest-free, so you don’t have to deal with the mess or the hassle.
2. Bag All Waste Properly
Use strong trash bags, and tie them tightly to reduce odor and exposure to pests.
3. Keep Bins Dry
Dump out any liquids before throwing food away, and avoid leaving wet organic material in your bin.
4. Schedule Regular Trash Bin Cleaning
Maggots and pests are more likely to appear in dirty bins. Regular professional cleaning with The Bin Spa prevents infestations and keeps your bins fresh.
Call The Bin Spa to Get Rid of Maggots & Pests—For Good!
If maggots, ants, or other pests have taken over your trash bin, don’t waste time scrubbing and dealing with the mess yourself. Let The Bin Spa handle it!
Our professional trash bin cleaning service eliminates maggots, sanitizes your bin, and leaves it smelling fresh—all while preventing future infestations.
📍 Serving Central Texas – Bell and Williamson Counties
📞 Call us today to schedule a cleaning!
📅 Book your bin cleaning online now!