Cans can quickly become insect magnets when they are stored incorrectly, attracting the likes of flies, MaggotsAnts, rats and more in our gardens and homes.
Food caddies, in particular, are a real treat for these unwanted creatures, providing a smelly, warm and moist environment where they can feed and lay their eggs. Plus, bin collection rules and frequency keep changing, and the fact that our bins are usually kept outside and not tightly sealed, they’re easier to access than ever.
Below, you’ll find the most common pests you may encounter in your bin, along with the best methods to get rid of them quickly, according to experts.
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How to prevent flies and maggots in your bin
Bins are notorious hotspots for maggots and can quickly develop into swarms of flies if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to clean your bin with an insecticide spray once a week, empty it regularly, and store it in a shaded area. It’s also worth investing in a sturdy, high-quality bin bag to prevent it from tearing and leaking liquid at the bottom.
If these insects have already made it into the house, clean your bin with white vinegar and hot water or use a solution of bleach and boiling water. You may also want to sprinkle them with diatomaceous earth powder (Available on Amazon) to dehydrate and kill them.
Maggot-proof your bins with these shopping picks
Dettol Insecticide Spray
Keep your bins fresh and clean with this multipurpose disinfectant spray, perfect for bins, toilet areas, surfaces and more.
These heavy-duty bin bags are 75% stronger than average and are made from bio-degradable materials.
How to prevent rats in your bin
“Rats like that Rats And Rat Especially drawn to cans because they provide a reliable supply of food scraps. If bins are easily accessible or lids are left open, rats can return frequently and even nest nearby,” explains Daniel Steward, managing director. Shield Pest Control.
To prevent them, make sure your bin lids are always tightly secured, recommends Tony King, owner of Pied Piper. He advises using heavy-lidded, locking bins, disposing of food scraps quickly and keeping bins away from walls and fences.
These adjustable bin locks will keep your lid secure against mice, rats, squirrels and other rodents.
How to stop cockroaches in your can
Damp, warm and humid, our bins are the perfect environment for cockroaches to thrive – especially with organic waste inside for them to feed on.
To prevent these creepy crawlies from getting in in the first place, Tony King recommends keeping your bin clean, emptying it regularly and cleaning up any spills immediately. If you already have an infestation on your hands, you can use an indoor insecticidal spray.
How to prevent ants in your bin
Ants are drawn to sweet, sticky, and sticky substances, so it’s no wonder they love our home bins so much.
“Once inside, ants can make paths back and forth between the trash can and surrounding kitchen surfaces,” explains Tony King.
He says the best way Get rid of ants Cleaning your bin and surrounding surfaces with a vinegar-based solution (Pick this up from Amazon) and check for any leaks or residue in the canister itself.
How to deter foxes in your can
They may look cute, but foxes can be a total nuisance when it comes to our bins – sneaking in food, scattering stuff and making a big old mess in our gardens.
The solution? “Use bins with locking lids, weigh down bin tops or store bins in a secure area to help prevent foxes from accessing them,” says Daniel Steward.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in business for over 25 years.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
Daniel Steward concludes, “Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent pests around bins is to remove the things that attract them in the first place. Secure lids, regular cleaning and proper waste disposal play a key role in reducing pest activity.”
If you found this helpful and want more expert pest control advice, read our guide How to get rid of fruit flies And How to prevent wasps.
