Maggots are yet another unpleasant household pest. Despite their small size, these creepy creatures can cause alarm when spotted in the trash or on food. While they may seem frightening, they aren’t entirely harmful. However, it’s important to understand where they come from and how to handle them if they appear.

Jody Green, a member and contributor to the Entomological Society of America, provides insight into the origins of maggots and effective ways to eliminate them. As summer rolls in, so do fruit flies and other pests—so where do these maggots come from, and how can you get rid of them?

How to Eliminate Maggots

If you encounter a maggot infestation, Green offers several methods for dealing with the problem based on the situation.

Maggots in Trash Cans (Indoor and Outdoor)
First, remove the trash can from the house and discard the source of the infestation. Thoroughly clean and rinse the bin, including any accessories. Next, spray both the inside and outside of the trash can with a disinfectant or insecticide to eliminate any remaining maggots, flies, or eggs.

What Do Maggots Look Like?
Maggots are small, legless, worm-like creatures that range in color from white to creamy-yellow. They often appear in large numbers because flies can lay thousands of eggs at once. “When the tiny larvae hatch, they’re so small they can slip into the tiniest cracks and crevices,” Green explains.