Those hot summer days can turn your outdoor trash bin into a buzzing, maggot-filled nightmare. It's a common and frustrating problem, but with a few simple strategies, you can win the battle against these uninvited pests.
First and foremost, the goal is to eliminate what attracts them. Always seal your trash in bags before placing them in the bin. For particularly smelly food waste, like meat scraps or diapers, consider using a smaller, separate bag that you can take out more frequently or even freeze until trash day. This simple step removes the primary food source for flies and other insects.
A clean bin is a bug-resistant bin. Don't just throw bags in and forget about the container itself. Once a month, give your trash can a thorough cleaning. Scrub it with a long-handled brush using a mixture of hot water and dish soap or a disinfectant cleaner. A powerful spray from a garden hose works wonders for rinsing it out. For a deep clean and deodorizer, sprinkle a cup of baking soda at the bottom to absorb lingering odors.
The physical barrier is your next line of defense. Make sure your bin has a tight-fitting lid that closes securely. If the lid is damaged or doesn't seal well, it's an open invitation. For an extra layer of protection, you can use natural repellents. Flies hate the smell of certain essential oils. Placing a cotton ball with a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or citronella oil at the bottom of the bin can act as a powerful deterrent. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base and lid; this natural powder is harmless to pets and humans but is deadly to insects with exoskeletons.
Finally, be strategic about placement. If possible, keep your trash bin in a shaded, cool spot, away from direct sunlight. The heat accelerates decay and makes the bin more attractive. On trash collection day, after your bin is emptied, take a moment to rinse it out quickly to wash away any residue, preventing a new cycle of infestation from starting.
By combining these methods—sealing waste, regular cleaning, using tight lids and natural repellents, and smart placement—you can effectively keep your outdoor trash bin free of breeding insects all summer long.