Flies and maggots can quickly become a problem in bins during summer, but one woman claims that adding a 35p ingredient to your bins can help deter the pests and banish bad smells15:21, 09 Jul 2026Updated 15:21, 09 Jul 2026Summer temperatures can rapidly transform wheelie bins into a thoroughly unpleasant nightmare, with lingering odours that quickly become overwhelming. Food scraps, soaring temperatures and trapped moisture create the perfect conditions for foul smells, leaking residue and swarms of flies — which can quickly lead to a maggot infestation.‌While different fly species have varying tastes, house flies and fruit flies are most commonly spotted feasting on food waste. They're typically drawn to decomposing material and the yeast cells that develop on sweet substances and fermenting or rotting fruit. Maggots, meanwhile, thrive in hot conditions and enclosed spaces with an abundance of food, making a rubbish bin an ideal breeding ground — and once they've made your bin their home, they can be a nightmare to get rid of.‌To help tackle the problem, one woman has revealed how adding a cheap, 35p ingredient to the bottom of your bin can keep creepy crawlies at bay, as they simply cannot stand the smell.‌"Food bins getting gross in summer? Ants (and worse) creeping in?" she wrote at the start of her TikTok video, showing viewers a maggot-infested bin before unveiling her quick and easy solution."Just pour in some distilled vinegar. I promise you, they won't return," she said, as she poured vinegar directly into the base of an empty household bin.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌"No harsh chemicals. No bugs. No smell. Easy, cheap, and actually works!" she added in the caption of the post.Why should you put vinegar in your bin?Pouring distilled vinegar into your bin is a fantastic way to naturally deter flies, maggots and other unwanted creepy crawlies. Its powerful, acidic odour naturally repels flies, while the chemical properties of vinegar can also dehydrate maggots and destroy them on contact.Much like other living organisms, maggots require a specific pH range in order to survive. The acidic nature of vinegar throws this delicate balance into disarray.‌When maggots come into contact with vinegar, the pH level in their environment drops sharply, rendering it uninhabitable and ultimately fatal.The acidic properties of vinegar essentially act as a pesticide, and within a matter of hours, you should notice a significant reduction in both maggot and fly numbers.How to keep bugs and flies away from your binWhile the vinegar trick is a brilliant method for keeping bugs at bay, it won't be nearly as effective unless you make a habit of giving your bin a thorough clean every now and then.Article continues belowBegin by emptying the bin completely and removing any loose debris. Next, pour boiling water inside to help loosen any built-up grime.Add warm water combined with washing-up liquid and a dash of white vinegar. Scrub the interior thoroughly using a long-handled brush or broom.Rinse it out, then tip the bin to allow it to drain fully. Once you've cleaned your bin with vinegar, scatter a cup of bicarbonate of soda across the bottom and leave it overnight to neutralise any lingering food odours.