Taking out the trash is likely far from your favorite chore, but I bet it's even worse when dealing with a fly and maggot infestation.

READ MORE: Can This Cleaning Product Keep Pests Out of Your Indiana Home?

Flies are gross. One of my least favorite sights when hauling my trash to the county solid waste station is maggots. I don't know why, but the larvae of flies absolutely gross me out. That's why I'm always looking for new and effective ways to keep them out of my garbage. My wife recently came across one such hack online, which we were quick to try out.

Why Are Flies Attracted to Trash Cans?

Before taking a peek at how to deter these pests, let's talk about what attracts them to garbage cans in the first place. According to the pest control company Terro, flies require spaces that provide warmth, protection, and food when laying their eggs. As you may have already guessed, trash cans offer all these things, which is why they're a prime spot for insect breeding. Additionally, rotting organic matter is the preferred food source for maggots, so trash cans are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for flies.

WKDQ-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

How Do I Keep Flies and Maggots Out of My Trash?

If you already have a fly infestation, you can take care of the problem by washing out your cans with hot soapy water or vinegar. However, be sure to keep your cans dry when you’re ready to start stocking away trash bags again. Flies love spaces that are hot and humid, so keeping garbage cans dry can help you avoid yet another infestation

My wife recently came across the video above on Facebook Reels, which claims that pouring salt into your trash can will deter flies and maggots. The salt will help keep moisture out of the bottom of the can and even dehydrate any existing pests. A few days ago, my wife and I tried this on our garbage cans and have already noticed a difference. Some simple iodized table salt was enough to do the trick.

These Fall Pests are Ready to Invade Your Indiana Home

There are several pests that are looking to escape the colder weather this fall and attempt to seek warmth in your home. Here are some to look out for.

Gallery Credit: Travis Sams

11 Bugs You Can Survive On (Eat) If Lost in the Wilds

In the event your GPS sends you wildly off course and you find yourself stranded deep in the heart of nowhere, rest assured you can survive, nay, thrive on a diet of insects and other creatures found underfoot, underground, and under logs.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

These Are The Best Ways To Keep Stink Bugs OUT

Stink bugs love to take refuge in your house during the winter months and then come out during the spring. If you want to keep them out of your home, try these tricks provided by HGTV and Rose Pest Solutions.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

More From WKDQ-FM