Louisiana Homeowners Should Put Scraps in Freezer During Summer Months

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - The heat is on in South Louisiana, and with that come the unwanted summer guests, flies and maggots.

In recent weeks, llike many of you, I have noticed more and more flies around the house, especially around our garbage cans.

I don't want to gross you out here, but when there are flies around your garbage cans, there are also those disgusting maggots hoping to prey on what you've left in the garbage can.

Look, it's hot out, and anything that you put in your garbage cans during the summer will spoil, and that is the recipe for flies and maggots, and it's the last thing you want to deal with this summer.

Keeping Flies Out of Garbage Cans During Summer

I was recently driving past a neighbor's trash can in our neighborhood and noticed a large number of flies and disgusting maggots on it. I immediately thought that they put their food scraps in the can too soon.

Now, you may be asking what I mean by too soon, and that is understandable. A few months ago, I was complaining to another neighbor that I wanted boiled crawfish at home, but that I don't like putting the shells and leftovers in my garbage cans because it attracts the flies and other things I'd rather not discuss.

That's when she told me that when they have leftover food, they put it in a garbage bag and place it in their deep freezer. Food or leftovers freeze quickly after being placed in the freezer, which prevents them from spoiling or developing an off odor. Then, the night before garbage collection, they place the bag of leftovers in their garbage cans.

JohnnyH5

This simple tactic prevents food from spoiling in a hot garbage can and keeps flies and maggots out of your can(s).

How to Rid a Garbage Can of Maggots

Now, if you notice a lot of flies or maggots in your garbage can, you need to clean it thoroughly; they may never leave. First, you want to kill what's in the garbage can by pouring hot water on the maggots or adding vinegar to the water.

Once you have eliminated the unwanted pests from your garbage cans, clean them thoroughly with water and bleach, then let them dry completely. Fleas and maggots thrive in moist environments, so make sure your trash can dry out after cleaning.

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I hope this helps you this summer, and remember, it's okay to put leftovers in the freezer until it's time to take out the garbage. Do not let food rot in your trash cans this summer, it's not the type of mess you want to ever deal with.