Maggots are another gross nuisance to households. Although small, these scary critters instill fear into many people when they’re found in trash and on food items.
Rest assured, these insects are not completely harmful. But, its a good idea to learn more about where they come from and what to do when you find them.
Jody Green is a member and contributor to the journals of the Entomological Society of America. She shares the dirt on where maggots come from and how to get rid of them.
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Where do flies lay eggs?
Flies lay eggs anywhere there may be decaying organic matter like trash, garbage disposals and compost bins in warmer climates. In some cases, dead animals in or around homes attract flies which is a perfect breeding ground for flies to colonize, lay eggs and hatch maggots.
“Its just that odor. If you think of like, what may be attractive to you like chocolate chip cookies or coffee, for me. Something like that, you know, the smell and the chemical compounds that come off of like trash or feces,” Green said.
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Where do maggots come from?
Maggots come from larger filth flies such as blowflies or house flies. The maggot is the second stage of the flys life cycle after eggs.
“The maggots sometimes are not associated with the adult fly,” Green said. “They’re just usually the creepy worm-looking things that people find in the trash cans.”
Flies from the outside come into a home and are attracted to any accessible food source with an odor, Green said. Flies are capable of honing in on the stench and can very quickly reproduce by laying eggs, which hatch the maggots.
How do maggots get into sealed food?
What happens if you eat maggots?
When maggots infest food, they can carry harmful bacteria and parasites which can cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal issues if ingested. The consumption of maggots in food can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can even lead to more severe health complications.
Do maggots like meat?
Maggots like meat. This includes leftovers, discarded food, pet food, and dead animals—in most cases, any old meat will do. Although this sounds disgusting to humans, these foods help to fuel their growth and development. Are you looking for ways to prevent flies and maggots from taking over your home? Look no further!
How do you get rid of maggots?
This can include garbage, compost, or pet food. Additionally, upon returning home, store groceries in sealed containers and immediately put away any leftovers. This will help get rid of the maggots and prevent pests like flies from being attracted to your food. Maggots hatch from eggs that are deposited by adult flies.
How to prevent maggots & flies from getting inside your home?
Here are some of the best ways to prevent maggots and flies from getting inside your home: Remove All Food Sources: Always clean up leftover food and never leave it sitting out. You should also store food in sealed containers and tie your garbage bags tightly. Likewise, be sure to remove garbage from your house frequently.