If you’re referring to the common household “trick,” the basic idea is to prevent flies from reaching moist food waste and laying eggs. Maggots are fly larvae, so eliminating or reducing access to suitable food is the key.
How it works
Keep the bin dry. Moist organic waste attracts flies and provides an ideal environment for eggs and larvae.
Wrap wet food scraps. Put meat, fish, dairy scraps, and other particularly attractive waste in a tightly sealed bag before putting it in the bin.
Close the lid. A properly fitting lid makes it much harder for adult flies to get inside.
Clean the bin regularly. Rinse it and allow it to dry completely after emptying.
For an easy extra step: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda in the bottom of the empty bin to help absorb moisture and reduce odors. It isn’t a guaranteed maggot killer, though.
If you already have maggots, don’t rely on baking soda alone. Empty the bin, seal the infested waste in a bag, wash the bin thoroughly with hot soapy water, and let it dry before putting a new liner in.
The important point is that there isn’t a magic ingredient involved: less moisture + less exposed food + fewer flies = fewer maggots.
