Maggots are the soft-bodied, pale-colored larval stage of various fly species, not worms. They are a common sight in environments with decaying organic material, which they consume to fuel their growth. Understanding their origin is the first step to managing them.
The Maggot Life Cycle
Maggots are the direct result of a fly’s reproductive cycle. Adult female flies are drawn to decaying organic substances, such as spoiled food, uncovered garbage, or animal carcasses, as locations to lay their eggs. A single housefly can lay up to 500 eggs over a few days.
Within a day, these eggs hatch into larvae, which are the maggots. The primary function of the maggot is to eat and grow by consuming the decaying matter they were born in. This larval stage involves several phases where the maggot sheds its skin as it increases in size, growing up to 20 mm. After several days of feeding, the maggot will move to a drier location to begin the next phase.
Once a maggot has stored enough energy, it enters the pupal stage. It forms a hard, reddish-brown casing called a puparium, similar to a butterfly’s chrysalis. Inside this case, the larva transforms into an adult fly, a process that can take from a few days to two weeks before the fly emerges to repeat the cycle.
Managing a Maggot Infestation
Managing an infestation requires immediate removal and long-term prevention. For existing maggots, the direct application of boiling water is a simple method to kill them instantly. A solution of bleach and water can also be used to kill the maggots and disinfect the area, eliminating odors that might attract more flies.
After removing the visible infestation, eliminate the source that attracted the flies. This involves a thorough cleaning of the area and disposing of any rotten food or waste. Pay close attention to garbage cans, pet food areas, and any spills.
Preventing future infestations hinges on maintaining a clean environment. Ensure all garbage cans have tightly sealing lids and are cleaned regularly. Storing food in airtight containers, promptly cleaning up spills, and managing pet waste are effective measures. Sealing cracks in window screens and around doors can help prevent flies from entering your home.
Unexpected Roles of Maggots
Despite their reputation, certain species of maggots have applications in controlled scientific and medical settings. Their predictable life cycle makes them a tool in forensic entomology. By analyzing the species and developmental stage of maggots on human remains, investigators can estimate the post-mortem interval, or time since death.
In medicine, sterile, lab-raised maggots are used in Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT). These medical-grade maggots are applied to non-healing wounds to consume dead tissue. This process cleans the wound, reduces bacteria, and promotes healing, sometimes more effectively than traditional methods. The maggots are contained in mesh bags, allowing them to clean the wound without being able to move freely.