Bin can quickly become a pest magnet when they're stored incorrectly, attracting the likes of flies, maggots, ants, rodents, and more into our gardens and homes.
Food caddies, in particular, are a real treat for these unwanted creatures, providing a smelly, warm, and damp environment where they can feed and lay their eggs. Plus, with the rules and frequency of bin collections changing, and the fact that our bins are usually kept outside and not well sealed, they’re easier than ever to access.
Below, you’ll find the most common pests you might encounter in your bin, along with the best methods for getting rid of them quickly, according to experts.
Article continues belowHow to prevent flies and maggots in your bin
Bins are a notorious hotspot for maggots and can quickly develop into a swarm of flies if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to clean your bins with a disinfectant spray once a week, empty them regularly, and store them somewhere shaded. It’s also worth investing in sturdy, high-quality bin bags to prevent them from ripping and leaving liquid at the bottom.
If these pests have already made themselves at home, clean your bin with white vinegar and hot water, or use a bleach and boiling water solution. You may also want to sprinkle them with diatomaceous earth powder (available on Amazon) to dehydrate and kill them.
Maggot-proof your bins with these shopping picks
Keep your bins fresh and clean with this multi-purpose disinfectant spray, suitable for bins, toilet areas, surfaces, and more.
These heavy-duty bin bags are 75% stronger than the average and are made from bio-degradable materials.
How to prevent rodents in your bin
"Rodents such as rats and mice are particularly drawn to bins because they provide a reliable supply of food scraps. If bins are easily accessible or lids are left open, rodents may repeatedly return and even nest nearby," explains Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control.
To prevent them, make sure your bin lids are secured tightly at all times, recommends Tony King, owner of The Pied Piper. He advises using a heavy-lidded, locking bin, disposing of food scraps quickly and placing the bin far away from walls and fences.
These adjustable bin locks will keep your lid secure against rats, mice, squirrels, and other rodents.
How to prevent cockroaches in your bin
Damp, warm and moist, our bins are the perfect environment for cockroaches to thrive – especially with organic waste inside for them to feed on.
To prevent these creepy crawlies from entering in the first place, Tony King recommends keeping your bin clean, emptying it regularly, and clearing any spills immediately. If you already have an infestation on your hands, you can use an insecticide spray inside.
How to prevent ants in your bin
Ants are drawn to sweet, sticky, and greasy substances, so it’s no wonder they love our household bins so much.
"Once inside, ants can create trails back and forth between the trash bin and the surrounding kitchen surfaces," explains Tony King.
He says the best way to get rid of ants is to clean your bin and surrounding surfaces with a vinegar-based solution (like this one from Amazon) and to check for any leaks or residue on the bin itself.
How to prevent foxes in your bin
They might look cute, but foxes can be an absolute nuisance when it comes to our bins – rummaging through food, scattering the contents, and making a big old mess in our gardens.
The solution? "Use bins with locking lids, weigh down bin tops, or store bins in a secure area to help deter foxes from accessing them," says Daniel Steward.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in operation for more than 25 years.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
Daniel Steward concludes, "Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent pests around bins is to remove the things that attract them in the first place. Secure lids, regular cleaning and proper waste disposal all play a key role in reducing pest activity."
If you found this helpful and want more expert pest control advice, read our guide on how to get rid of fruit flies and how to deter wasps.
