We're Available 24 Hours a Day! - Immediate Response

How Do Maggots Form? Maggot Facts

how do maggots form

If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation of having maggots on your property.

The first thing to do is take a deep breath and don't panic! You are not alone.

Maggots are very common outdoor pests that can quickly make themselves at home if given the opportunity- especially when they find food.

In this blog post, we will discuss how do maggots form, as well as some fun facts about these little creatures!

What Do Maggots Look Like?

maggots

Maggots can be referred to as babies or larvae of birds. The conical shapes can vary in grey or creamy white.

There are no clear distinctions between the different species of flies, and the University of Kentucky has a comprehensive list to determine the larval types.

The majority of maggots found inside or near a house are common house flies and bluebottles. Maggots are burrows whose tails pointed to ends to dig deeper, which have curved tails.

According to the species of fly, maggots eat either living or rotting things. It burrows when eating from it and has circular chewed splinter holes scattered across.

How Do Maggots Form - Life Cycle

maggot life cycle

The life cycle of a maggot is quite simple. The life cycle of flies or maggots consists of only three stages.

The appearance of maggots is an indication that they are changing into adult flies.

  • Larvae stage
  • Pupation stage
  • Adult fly stage

Fly Larvae stage

Maggots go through many molts before becoming pupae, which is required for them to assume new shapes and attain a “new level” in preparation for pupation.

Depending on the species, flies lay eggs in a variety of sizes, shapes, and locations. Maggots remain in their larvae state for five to ten days.

The maggot's primary focus after they are born is to eat as much food as possible so that they can store enough energy to transform into an adult fly during pupation.

Pupation stage

The maggot will spend 4 days in the pupation stage after it finds a safe place to develop away from predators.

Then, slowly, they'll begin their metamorphosis. It may take anywhere up to 10 for them to fully change.

Adult flies can now develop from the maggots, which have transformed into larvae, once the pupation period has finished.

Adult flies stage

Upon completion of the pupation stage, the fly transforms into an adult and is within two days able to lay its own eggs.

This allows them to repeat the same process over and over again, keeping their species going as the world continues to revolve.

See Also: How To Get Rid of Hover Flies

What Causes Maggots?

If you are wondering why there are maggots in your house or area, it is most likely because of flies.

Anything that attracts flies may also cause maggots. Here's a list of things that attract flies and cause maggots.

Garbage

garbage flies

When garbage is not disposed of properly, it can attract flies. Once the flies are near the garbage, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Feces

Flies are attracted to feces, whether it is from humans, animals, or birds. If there is feces present, flies may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Plants

Overripe fruits and vegetables can attract flies. Once the flies are near the plants, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Carcasses

If there is a dead animal or bird present, it will attract flies. Once the flies are near the carcass, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Liquid substances

Anything that is liquid and has a strong odor can attract flies. Once the flies are near the liquid, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Warm temperatures

Maggots thrive in warm temperatures. If the temperature is right, they will develop quickly into flies.

Light sources

Maggots are attracted to light sources, whether it is natural or artificial. If there is a light source present, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

Other flies or insects

If other flies or insects are present, they may lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

As you can see, there are many things that can cause maggots.

If you have any of these things on your property, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent maggots from forming.

Unkempt rooms

Maggots can also form if a room is unkempt and dirty. If there is food or garbage present, flies may be attracted to the area and lay eggs which will turn into maggots.

How Long Does Maggot Infestation Last?

The average maggot lifespan is 3 to 5 days. The time from egg to fly ranges from 14 to 36 days, and the procedure may restart if the material is still edible.

How to Get Rid of Maggots

Maggots are easier to get rid of than you may think. They usually only squirm around slowly, giving you time to get rid of them before they find a hiding place.

Maggots are rarely a problem. If they do appear, you may simply remove them.

It's important to get rid of them as soon as possible so that they don't have a chance to lay eggs and cause more maggots.

There are many ways to get rid of maggots, but here are a few common methods:

1. Spray maggot repellents

One of the best ways to get rid of maggots is to prevent them from coming into your home in the first place. You can do this by spraying maggot repellents around your perimeter.

These repellents usually contain natural ingredients like cedar oil or citrus peel oil, which will keep flies away without being harmful to humans or animals.

2. Boiling water

Another way to kill maggots is by boiling them. This method is particularly effective if you have a small number of maggots that you can easily reach with a pot of boiling water.

Be careful when using this method, as boiling water can be dangerous if not handled properly.

Always use caution and pour the water slowly so that it doesn't splash back up at you.

Read Also: How To Get Rid of Mayflies

3. Sprinkling salt

salt

If you don't have any maggot repellent on hand, another household item that can act as a repellent is salt.

Sprinkling salt on them or around the area where you've seen maggots will kill them on contact.

Just be sure to sweep up the dead maggots afterward so that they don't attract more flies.

4. Use diatomaceous earth

diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It's often used in gardens to keep pests away, but it can also be effective at killing maggots.

The sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth will cut through the maggots' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can find diatomaceous earth at most hardware stores.

5. White vinegar

white vinegar

White vinegar is another household item that can be used to kill maggots. The acetic acid in the vinegar will kill them on contact.

You can either sprinkle the vinegar directly on them or use a spray bottle to apply it. Just be sure to avoid getting any vinegar on your skin, as it can cause irritation.

After you've gotten rid of the maggots, be sure to clean the area where they were found. This will help prevent more flies from coming into your home and laying eggs.

As you can see, there are many ways to get rid of maggots. If you have a problem with them, try one of these methods and see which one works best for you.

Call a Professional Exterminator to Treat Maggots

If you have a serious infestation of maggots, it's best to call a professional exterminator. They will be able to treat the area and get rid of the maggots quickly and efficiently.

They may also be able to help you figure out how the flies were able to get into your home in the first place so that you can prevent future infestations.

Maggots are gross, but they don't have to be a problem. With a little effort, you can get rid of them and keep them from coming back.

Just be sure to act quickly so that they don't have a chance to lay eggs and multiply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do maggots form if there are no flies?

It lays eggs that become maggots. Sometimes maggots might appear from nowhere and you don't see the flies.

What kills maggots instantly?

Boil water. It is free and it is quick, it is powerful, and it kills maggots immediately.

How do maggots form in a sealed container?

The eggs hatch in flies within a day of laying the eggs, and they are then released into maggots.

If meat was allowed to remain in the air for longer and sealed air-tight without cooking the meat, fly larvae could lay eggs there.

Where do maggots start from?

The blowflies can detect scent through special receptors within an antenna then land in the body and lay eggs through holes.

A fly deposited around 250 eggs in 24 hours and produced small first-stage maggots.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many things that can cause maggots. If you have any of these things on your property, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent maggots from forming.

There are many ways to get rid of maggots, but here are a few common methods. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact a pest control professional.

They will be able to help you get rid of your maggot problem quickly and efficiently. Thanks for reading!

About The Author:

Meet Mark Calhoun, a seasoned pest control expert in the realm our pest control company. With over 10 years of dedicated experience and Managing Editor. His primary mission is to furnish you with precise and invaluable DIY insights, ensuring your home remains pest-free while aiding you in distinguishing various household pests.
Recent Articles
NEED HELP? WE'RE AVAILABLE 24/7. CALL NOW.
1.866.501.2444
TAP TO CALL
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram