OMG what are these I thought it was just rice scattered on my garbage can this morning… but then I looked closer and they were moving.

These are maggots, which are the larval stage of flies (most commonly the housefly or blowfly). They are definitely not rice.

The reason you are seeing them on your garbage can is that adult flies have detected organic waste inside, laid their eggs, and those eggs have hatched into larvae. They are now actively feeding on the decomposing organic material.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Do Not Touch Them with Bare Hands: Maggots can carry bacteria from the decaying waste they are feeding on. Wear thick rubber gloves if you need to handle the area.
  2. Dispose of the Waste: If the waste inside is the source, double-bag the trash securely and take it to your main disposal area or outdoor bin immediately.
  3. Thorough Cleaning: After the bin is empty, you need to sanitize it to kill any remaining eggs or larvae.
    • Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water over the inside and outside of the bin is the most effective way to kill them instantly.
    • Bleach or Disinfectant: After the boiling water, scrub the bin with a strong bleach solution or an industrial-strength disinfectant. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies where eggs might be hidden, especially around the rim and lid hinges.
  4. Dry It Out: Maggots thrive in moisture. After cleaning, let the bin dry completely in the sun before putting a new liner in. Flies are less likely to lay eggs in a dry, sanitized bin.
[aicp] [/aicp]

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