Flies and maggots can be found in bins (stock image) (Image: Adam Bartosik via Getty Images) Nobody relishes the idea of flies and maggots congregating around their bins, but fortunately there's a handy tip to help keep them at bay . What you might not know is that a common spice pairing can prove remarkably effective at deterring these pests from your property . Several factors explain why these unwelcome visitors are drawn to our rubbish. Bins contain decomposing organic waste, particularly high-protein items such as meat, fish, dairy and wet pet food, which release powerful odours that attract flies. Meanwhile, maggots need damp, humid conditions and liquid residue to thrive, meaning the grease and food juices that accumulate at the bottom of bins provide a perfect breeding environment. Fortunately, there are various hacks you can employ to try and keep them away. In the past, an expert also offered advice on how to prevent the problem. According to Ken C Long, who shares various tips on Instagram, there's a straightforward and natural method to keep flies away so you "don't have to deal with a nasty clean-up." He previously shared his advice. He said: "Keep flies and maggots out of your garbage can. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper and cinnamon at the bottom of your garbage can. "The capsaicin in cayenne pepper irritates the flies' senses and they hate 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." You may not be aware, but this is a technique that can genuinely prove effective. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a chemical compound that irritates a fly's feet, antennae and mouthparts upon contact. It renders the inside of the bin an uncomfortable environment in which to land or feed. Meanwhile, cinnamon possesses a strong, pungent aroma that masks the smell of rotting food and discourages insects from lingering long enough to breed. Given that this spice combination repels adult flies and prevents them from depositing eggs, it disrupts the lifecycle before fly larvae (maggots) can hatch. It is a highly effective means of tackling the problem before it arises. All you need to do is sprinkle a generous layer of ground cayenne pepper and ground cinnamon directly into the bottom of the empty bin or food caddy. Then, place your usual bin bag or liner on top of the spices. Be sure to repeat the process as and when required. It should also be used alongside good hygiene practices to be fully effective, so ensure you clean the bin on a regular basis too. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Flies and maggots are most prevalent and active during warm, humid months. Higher temperatures accelerate their life cycle, enabling multiple generations to hatch. However, they can still be spotted during late autumn. It is therefore wise to remain on your guard. Rotting food waste inside a bin can create its own microclimate, maintaining temperatures warm enough for fly larvae to survive and thrive. This can occur even during colder weather conditions. Late infestations can also take hold. If flies deposited eggs during a warm period in late autumn, or if bins have gone uncollected and overflowed, maggots can persist well into November. For this reason, it is always worthwhile being aware of ways to keep them at bay. It is genuinely useful knowledge to have at your disposal. Choose Wales Online as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value. At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing
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