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What causes maggots in the kitchen?

Ehrlich Answers

"This morning I found maggots in the kitchen. What might have caused them to appear?"

Maggots are considered by many to be the epitome of the ‘gross’ side of the insect and pest world. Spotting maggots in the kitchen is therefore less than ideal, but they don’t appear out of nowhere.

Maggots are the larvae of flies. When adult flies find a food source - like uncovered trash, rotting produce, or food scraps - they lay eggs. Within a day or two, those eggs hatch into the tiny maggots in your kitchen that you see wriggling around. If you’ve spotted red maggots in the house, these are simply different species of fly larvae, and the causes will remain the same.

Common causes of maggots in kitchens

  • Food waste: Open trash bins, compost, or forgotten leftovers
  • Moisture: Leaky pipes or drains can lead to maggots in the kitchen sink
  • Animal products: Pet food left out too long or spoiled meat in the fridge or trash
  • Hidden sources: Dead insects or rodents that flies have laid eggs on

When to call for help

Cleaning up visible maggots is only part of the solution. If you’re finding them repeatedly, it means flies are breeding somewhere nearby. A professional can identify the source, treat affected areas, and recommend steps to prevent them from returning. Our technicians can provide solutions tailored to your home; just get in touch.

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