Finding maggots inside a household trash can can be an unpleasant surprise, especially when the garbage appeared normal only a short time earlier. Many people immediately wonder where the tiny larvae came from and why they suddenly appeared in such large numbers. The explanation is usually much simpler than it seems. Flies are attracted to food waste and other decomposing organic material, and under the right conditions, a trash can can become an ideal place for them to lay eggs. Once those eggs hatch, the larvae we recognize as maggots begin feeding on the material around them. Warm weather can make the process happen surprisingly quickly, which is why infestations are more common during summer. A bag that contains meat scraps, fruit, vegetables, or other moist food waste can provide everything developing larvae need. But discovering them doesn’t necessarily mean your home is dirty. Sometimes all it takes is one forgotten bag sitting in warm conditions.

A trash can offers almost everything flies need: warmth, moisture, darkness, and decomposing food. As temperatures rise, organic waste breaks down faster and produces odors that attract insects. If you suddenly discover movement among the garbage, don’t panic. The first thing to do is remove the source. Seal the infested garbage securely and take it outside. Keep children and pets away from the area while you handle the cleanup. But removing the bag is only the beginning. If you simply replace it with a new liner, some residue may remain inside the bin and continue attracting flies. The next step is to find out where that hidden food residue is collecting—and clean the container thoroughly.