It’s a sad truth that most of us don’t want to consider. However, the fact is that maggots may sooner or later infest your home, whether by accident or intentionally.
If you discover maggots in your garbage can, you may be wondering will bleach kill them?
Bleach will kill maggots. You can mix one part bleach with one part water. Close the bag or container that the maggots are in. Wait 30 minutes for the bleach fumes to kill the maggots.
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Continue reading to learn more about how bleach can help you get rid of maggots.
How to Kill Maggots With Bleach
The most important thing to remember when using bleach to kill maggots is that you must wait anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes for the bleach to work.
This is because maggots don’t die from contact with the bleach itself. They die because of the fumes that are given off by the bleach.
This can take some time, and it will likely not kill any unseen eggs.
If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, you may need to repeat the process.
Don’t forget bleach can damage fabrics and surfaces, so use caution when applying it.
1. Locate Where The Maggots Are in Your Home
They may have crawled into a garbage can, or they may be hiding in some other dark and moist place.
If you have a serious infestation, you may find them in numerous locations. However, if you’re only dealing with a few maggots, getting rid of them will be considerably easier.
2. Find a Safe Place to Contain the Maggots
Once you’ve discovered where they are, the next step is to find a secure location for them. If they’re in a big space, this might be quite difficult.
If you have a plastic bag, place the maggots inside and then seal it shut (don’t worry, maggots can’t eat through plastic bags).
If you’re using a container, make sure the lid is secure.
If they are in a trash bag that is already contained make sure you close the bag tight after applying the bleach.
3. Use Bleach to Kill Maggots
Mix one part bleach with one part water.
Close the bag or container in which the maggots are hiding and wait 30 minutes for them to die from the fumes given off by the bleach.
If you have a serious infestation, you may need to repeat this procedure; however, it’s not advised unless necessary.
4. Thoroughly Clean the Area Afterwards
Once the maggots are dead, plan a thorough clean of the area.
Bleach is harmful to textiles and surfaces, therefore you should remove it from the treated area as soon as possible.
5. Use Preventative Measures to Avoid Maggots in the Future
Finally, you’ll want to implement preventative measures to avoid a repeat occurrence.
Keep your trash can clean and do not leave any food where maggots might find it. This will help keep them out of your home for good!
Will Bleach Kill Maggots – Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clorox kill maggots?
Yes. Since this is also a bleach-based cleaning product, you can spray this in addition to your mixture as well.
Can Lysol kill maggots?
No, Lysol is a strong disinfectant but it can not be used to kill maggots. This is because it does not give off the toxic chlorine gas that is created by bleach.
Is there a natural way to kill maggots?
If you don’t want to use chemicals, there are a few natural methods you can try.
One is to place the maggots in a bag and then seal it shut. Another is to sprinkle them with food-grade diatomaceous earth. This will kill them by dehydrating them.
Can I pour boiling water on maggots?
Yes. Boiling water will kill maggots instantly. However, be careful when using this method as you don’t want to scald yourself. Read more about ways to kill maggots without bleach here
Final Thoughts – Killing Maggots with Bleach
Bleach can be used to kill maggots; however, it’s important to remember that it may take some time for the fumes to work.
It’s also important to be careful when using bleach as it can damage surfaces and fabrics.
If you have a serious infestation, you may need to repeat the process. Once the maggots are dead, be sure to clean the area thoroughly.
Finally, take measures to prevent them from returning in the future.
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