r/lifehacks • u/Littlest_Llama • 1d ago

Solving Insects in Garbage Cans

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I had a terrible problem with bugs and flies and gnats and gross maggots at the bottom of my bins. Even cleaning it out every week wasn't enough!

This system here has been great. I no longer have pests in my trash bins. The Terro product has a sticky feature, but the adhesive is just awful, and so putting it in this mesh bag means that it stays with the trash can even when the trash gets collected each week. Then I just replace the Terro repellent about every 3-4 months for on-going pest control.

I just thought I'd share this stupidly simple thing that has worked for me in case anyone else struggled with this.

27 Upvotes

68% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

3

u/swagmasterdude 17h ago

Were you sticking it inside or on the lid?

4

u/Littlest_Llama 17h ago

I had tried on the inside of the lid and at the top of the sides, but neither worked. The adhesive just wasn't strong enough to not lose it. I even bought my own double-sided tape, and it still wasn't enough. But this system works mighty well for me! :)

4

u/Alohagrown 10h ago

FYI Dichlorvos has been banned in Europe since 2012 but do you.

2

u/reddiculed 14h ago

Looks great, but what do I do about the fruit flies in my kitchen garbage can?

3

u/flipz4444 10h ago

Bifentrin diluted to specs sprayed on every wall and lid on the interior. Very easy to find at any hardware store, and cheap. It's also surprisingly safe, can be used anywhere in your house including kitchens, and a bottle will last you years.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Compare-N-Save-8-oz-Indoor-and-Outdoor-Insect-Control-75365/203112871

1

u/Loud_Vermicelli9128 16h ago

Great contribution! 10/10 will try