Adding two common kitchen spices to your wheelie bin could help keep flies and maggots at bay, according to a home DIY expert. Cayenne pepper and cinnamon, both frequently found in kitchen cupboards, can deter pests without the need for costly chemical solutions.
Expert shares simple spice trick on TikTok
Ken Long, a home DIY specialist, shared the method on TikTok, recommending that residents "sprinkle some cayenne pepper and cinnamon at the bottom of your garbage can." He explained that the capsaicin in cayenne pepper irritates flies' senses, while they also dislike the smell of cinnamon.
"This will keep flies away from your garbage and keep them from laying eggs, so you don't have to deal with maggots," Long added. Flies are attracted to wheelie bins primarily because of the food waste they contain, and they can lay eggs that develop into maggots within just 24 hours.
Precautions and additional bin maintenance tips
Long advised caution when handling cayenne pepper, as its potent aroma may cause sneezing or eye irritation. He suggested placing the spice inside a bin bag and sealing it firmly on collection days to avoid creating dust clouds that could affect waste collectors' eyes.
Beyond the spice trick, regular bin maintenance can help reduce fly and maggot problems. Washing bins with hot, soapy water, or a mild bleach or vinegar mixture, can destroy eggs and larvae. Using tightly secured bin bags minimises spillages that attract flies.
Householders should avoid overfilling bins so lids close properly, preventing flies from entering. Damaged lids should be repaired or replaced promptly. Pouring away liquids from food waste and wrapping moist items like tea bags and fruit peelings in newspaper or damp towels can also reduce moisture that attracts flies.
Keeping waste out for extended periods, especially in warm weather, creates moisture that draws flies. Emptying bins before they become too full is recommended to minimise pest issues.
