Flies and maggots can be a real problem in food waste bins during summer, but a cleaning expert says this 80p natural maggot deterrent could help keep them at bay for good15:19, 21 Jul 2026You could banish maggots and flies from your bins for good this summer using just one everyday household item. As the summer sun continues to blaze and temperatures soar, pests like flies have become a persistent headache for homes up and down the country. Not only are flies partial to sneaking indoors, but they also love crawling into your bins and depositing eggs in your rubbish, which quickly hatch into hundreds of stomach-turning maggots.‌Flies are drawn to rotting food, which makes your bins an ideal breeding spot. The problem can be even more acute if you've got a dedicated food waste bin, particularly if you're not careful about sealing your rubbish bags properly or if you leave your bin sitting out in the blazing sun, where food decomposes at an accelerated rate.‌But if you're struggling with a food waste or general waste bin that's constantly plagued by flies and maggots despite your best efforts, one woman on social media reckons she's got the perfect solution. Cleaning guru Claire posted a video on Instagram revealing that to prevent flies from breeding in your bins, all you need is one common household staple most of us already have at home — and it'll only set you back 80p.‌In her video, Claire said the best way to stop flies from breeding in your bins is to sprinkle a good amount of regular table salt all over your rubbish bags once they've been tied up and put in the outside bin.She said: "If you've got food caddies like this, make sure you sprinkle loads of salt in it so that the flies just can't breed."In her caption, she added: "Stop flies and maggots taking over your outdoor food waste caddy this summer!"‌Content cannot be displayed without consent"Even if your caddy lid locks, flies can still lay eggs around the outside and on food before it's bagged. After a week in this heat... those bags can practically walk themselves to the bin!"Claire went on to explain that salt works by killing maggots and drying out fly eggs that would otherwise hatch into further maggots, while also absorbing the bin juice and foul odours that draw flies in to begin with.‌She also stressed that she only does this in her council food waste caddy, where the waste is collected for biofuel. She would not advise using salt on any food waste that you intend to use for composting, as it could compromise the quality of your compost.Those commenting on the post were grateful for Claire's tip, with many admitting they'd been at breaking point trying to deal with maggots in their food waste bin.One person said: "I tried it and it's amazing! I can't believe it. Thank you."‌Meanwhile, another added: "Thank you. Brilliant."How to keep flies out of your homeThere are plenty of natural solutions you can turn to in order to keep flies at bay. Certain natural fragrances are well known for being repellent to flies and other insects, so dotting them around your home can prove highly effective.Basil and mint: Flies hate the smell of these herbs. The best way to use basil at home is to buy a basil or mint plant and keep it by your windowsill. Not only will this deter flies, but you'll also have your own supply of fresh herbs for cooking.Lavender and marigold: If flies are a problem in your garden, plants like lavender and marigold can help deter them. You can also place these plants near windows and doors to keep them from entering your home.Coffee: If you have flies buzzing around your kitchen, then you can use coffee grounds to get rid of them. Roasting coffee grounds in the oven for 15 minutes can release an aroma that's pleasant to most humans but repels flies.Article continues belowKeeping your living space clean and tidy can also go a long way in discouraging flies. Always ensure food is covered on kitchen surfaces, and use a tightly sealed food waste bin to dispose of scraps safely.If your council hasn't implemented food waste bins yet and you don't have your own, biodegradable food waste bags are a great alternative - simply seal the bag and pop it in your general household waste.