Overripe produce can also attract different types of flies.
Pet waste
Dog or cat waste can provide organic material that attracts flies.
Food residue
Even a seemingly empty food container may contain enough residue to attract insects.
Wet garbage
Moisture combined with food waste creates an especially favorable environment for decomposition.
A garbage bag doesn't have to contain a huge amount of food to attract flies.
Are Maggots Dangerous?
For most people, accidentally encountering fly larvae around an outdoor garbage bin is more disgusting than dangerous.
However, garbage can contain bacteria and other microorganisms, so you should avoid touching the larvae or contaminated waste with bare hands.
The bigger concern is sanitation.
If larvae are present, there is likely decomposing organic material somewhere nearby. That material can support bacterial growth and attract additional insects.
So rather than worrying that the tiny creatures themselves are going to attack you, focus on cleaning the contaminated area and removing the source.
Don't Touch Them With Your Bare Hands
If you discover a large number of larvae, don't pick them up with your fingers.
Instead, wear appropriate gloves and avoid touching your face while handling the garbage.
After cleaning the area:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If your gloves are reusable, clean them appropriately. Disposable gloves should be discarded after use.
Also keep children and pets away from heavily contaminated garbage until the area has been cleaned.
How to Get Rid of Them
The most important step is to remove the source.
Simply killing the visible larvae may not solve the problem if decomposing food remains inside the garbage container.
Start by securing the garbage and disposing of it according to your local waste-collection rules.
Then inspect the bin for:
- Leaking garbage bags
- Food residue
- Meat or seafood scraps
- Pet waste
- Liquid collected at the bottom
- Cracks or areas where organic material has accumulated
Once the garbage has been removed, clean the container thoroughly.
A household detergent and water can help remove organic residue. Follow the cleaning-product label instructions and avoid mixing cleaning chemicals, particularly bleach with ammonia or acidic products.
After cleaning, allow the bin to dry completely.
What If They Keep Coming Back?
If larvae repeatedly appear even after you remove the garbage, there may be an overlooked source.
Check the area around the garbage container.
Look underneath the bin, around the wheels, beneath the lid, and near nearby landscaping.
Also consider whether another source of organic material is nearby.
For example:
- Animal waste
- A dead animal
- Rotting food
- Compost
- Spilled garbage
- Standing organic debris