Spring is when flies begin breeding, so it is important to check your recycling bins now to avoid an infestation.
Spring officially kicks off next week, and with the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, it’s crucial to give certain things a good clean, like recycling bins, which can become a breeding ground for flies. Recycling bins often harbour moisture from rainfall or residual liquid in containers, which can build up over time.
Throughout winter, most people don’t notice this dampness as it typically freezes, but as temperatures climb, waste starts to break down much quicker, leading to more noticeable foul odours. Any liquid in a recycling bin will foster mould, bacteria or even draw in flies, whose eggs require moist organic matter to develop properly.
Flies start laying eggs once daytime temperatures consistently hit 10°C in late March, so it’s important to give recycling bins a thorough clean soon to prevent the emergence of maggots.
How to deter flies from approaching recycling bins.
Cleaning a recycling bin is a straightforward task – all you need to do is rinse it out with some soapy water, ensuring it’s completely dry before putting it back outside, reports the Express.
However, this alone often won’t be enough to permanently ward off flies, as the liquid that attracts them will start to accumulate again, becoming an increasingly bigger issue as summer approaches.
If you’re keen to keep your recycling dry and clean, then Wychavon District Council strongly advises lining the bottom of your bins with newspaper.
They explained: “Use a sheet of newspaper in the bottom of the bin to absorb any moisture and prevent loose waste from sticking to the bottom of the bin.”
Newspapers can mop up any residual juice, milk, or rainwater that gathers at the base of the bin, stopping the pool that typically draws flies.
Damp paper will capture odours from decomposing liquids and stop them from circulating, which will also discourage flies from hovering around your recycling.
If you don’t purchase newspapers, you can substitute cardboard, supermarket paper carrier bags, old magazines, or household bin liners.
Just remember to swap out the paper at least once a month, though doing it fortnightly is preferable. Your recycling should remain clean and free from maggots throughout spring.
It’ll also make a significant difference to keep bins away from direct sunlight, as this will reduce decomposition and stop them from becoming more pungent.
When giving a bin a proper clean, it’s worth using disinfectant, boiling water or bleach as this will eliminate any maggot eggs that have already been deposited.
