Swindon is not alone with the wheelie magg problem
you can send pictures of your bin here:
http://moblog.net/binwatch/you can contact the Mail on line innit, with your smelly bin maggot story:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-426899/Smelly-bins-Get-Odour-Eaters.htmlNOW FOR SOME FAQS ABOUT MAGGOTS
from:
http://www.westlancsdc.gov.uk/refuse__recycling/household_refuse_collections/grey_bin_collections.aspxFrequently asked questions: about maggots
Q: What are maggots?
A: Maggots are fly larvae, usually of the common housefly and also the bluebottle. Flies are attracted to food and other rubbish; they lay their eggs on the rubbish; later the eggs hatch into maggots. You will only have problems with maggots if flies can get to your waste. If flies settle on your rubbish they may lay eggs, which hatch out as maggots within 24 hours. Flies and maggots have always been around - especially in hot weather - whatever kind of bins or collection service we use. The best approach is to be careful with your waste and ensure that flies can't get at it. Householders in many parts of the country are this year reporting problems with flies and maggots
Q: How can I make sure I don't get problems with maggots in my bin?
A: The first step is to make sure that flies can't get at your rubbish. In fact, wheelie bins are much better at keeping out flies than black bin bags.
· Never leave food uncovered inside the home. Flies may lay eggs on any exposed food, and in warm weather the eggs can hatch within 24 hours.
· Rinse polystyrene food trays and other food packaging that can't be recycled before you put it into the bin.
· Make sure your kitchen waste bin is tightly shut so flies can't get in.
· Wrap waste tightly in plastic bags before putting it into the wheelie bin.
· Make sure there aren't any holes in the bag - for example around the handles - that could let a fly in.
· Squeeze out the air from the bag and tie it tightly.
· Perishable waste like food scraps or pet waste, or disposable nappies, should be double-wrapped.
· Lower the bags gently into the wheelie bin to avoid tears and splits
· Keep the lid of your wheelie bin closed. If your bin lid is broken and won't close, contact the Council.
· If possible, store your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight.
· Hang insecticide strips inside your bin to help control flies if they get in
· Try using Citronella - a natural remedy used in gardens. This will discourage flies as they don't like the smell.
Flies can also be attracted to recycling materials if they aren't clean. So please make sure you wash out food cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars to ensure they don't attract flies.
Q: There are maggots in my bin. What can I do?
A: Try using a fly spray. Also, flies and maggots can be killed with boiling water. You can also try pouring a small amount of warm bleach solution over the waste in the bin. Most of the maggots will go when the bin is emptied. After the bin has been emptied, clean it out with disinfectant or bleach and plenty of water. Try using a cleaning product with a fragrance as this will help to deter flies in future. Spray the inside of the bin with fly spray. Follow the advice given above to avoid problems in the future - make sure that flies can't get at your rubbish.
Q: Can maggots cause health problems?
A: Maggots in wheelie bins will not cause any health problems. Flies are all around no matter what type of collection service is in operation. The best approach is to be careful with your waste and ensure that flies can't get at it. Follow the advice given above - "How can I make sure I don't get problems with maggots in my bin?"
Q: In hot weather, the wheelie bin smells. What can I do?
A: Smells come from rotting rubbish. To minimise smells, put waste into plastic bags, squeeze out the air, and tie tightly. Make sure there are no holes in the bags. Double-wrap food scraps and pet waste. If you use disposable nappies, try emptying solid waste from the nappy down the toilet before double-wrapping the nappy in a plastic bag and putting it into the bin. If possible, keep your wheelie bin in a shady spot, out of direct sunlight. This will help keep it cool. Make sure you wash out your cans and bottles for recycling, too, to ensure they don't attract flies or become smelly.
Q: Why have I got maggots now - I've never had them before?
A: Files and maggots have always been around - it's not a new problem. Many householders will, from time to time, have difficulties with them, especially during hot weather. People all over the country are this year reporting problems with flies and maggots.
Q: Do you expect me to buy fly spray and/or will you reimburse me for the cost of these?
A: Householders are responsible for their household waste and for hygiene at their home. Fly spray can be effective in helping to control flies. The Council cannot reimburse householders for the cost of fly spray or any other cleaning materials they may use at home.
Q: Will the Council come to remove them and if not, why not?
A: When we come to empty your bin, the maggots will be removed with your household waste. After your bin is emptied we advise you to clean it thoroughly with water and disinfectant or bleach - see advice above under "There are maggots in my bin. What can I do?"
Q: I've got rid of them once and now they're back - I double-wrap everything and thoroughly clean all of my containers. What else can I do?
A: If you are having problems with maggots, it is because flies are getting to your waste to lay eggs on it. The eggs hatch out into maggots. Follow the advice above ("How can I make sure I don't get problems with maggots in my bin?") and remember to enforce strict hygiene in your home as well. Flies can lay eggs on food waste left exposed in the kitchen and the eggs later hatch out into maggots after the food has been put into the bin.
Q: I've got children and despite what you say they ARE a health hazard - I'd like an Environmental Health Officer to visit me...when can they come?
A: Environmental Health experts all over the country have given reassurance that this is not a health hazard. However, if you feel you are experiencing exceptional problems, we can arrange for an Environmental Health Officer to visit your home and give advice.
Q: I'm disabled/a pensioner - how do you expect me to clean out my bin on a regular basis/can the Council not clean my bin?
A: We provide assistance, where necessary, to help people present their bins on colllection day but we are not able to assist with cleaning of bins. If you are not able to clean out the bin yourself, we advise you to use one of the professional wheelie bin cleaning services that operate in the area. Also, you should follow the advice above "How can I make sure I don't get problems with maggots in my bin?" to try to make sure the problem doesn't recur.
Q: With regards to excess recyclable waste, how am I supposed to protect these additional bags/containers from maggot infestation?
A: Make sure you wash materials thoroughly before putting them out for recycling - e.g. cans, plastic bottles, glass jars and bottles. This is particularly important when they have contained food. Any smears or scraps of food left behind will start to smell and decay and will attract flies. If the materials are really clean, they will not smell and flies will not be attracted to them.
Chav
