A COUNCIL has released information on keeping wheelie bins free from flies and maggots during hot summer months.

Maldon District Council are advising people to take precautions to reduce the level of flies and maggots gathering in food and waste bins in the district.

In a detailed statement, a spokesman said: "During the summer months the prevalence of flies increases. Taking a few precautions can reduce the likelihood of getting maggots and flies in your wheelie bin.

"Maggots in wheelie bins only exist if flies have been allowed to have access to rubbish such as food waste or nappies. If flies settle on this type of rubbish they may lay eggs, which will then hatch into maggots.

"If flies don't get into contact with your rubbish, you will not get maggots. Following these simple guidelines should prevent you from getting maggots:

• Rinse your bin out regularly and keep it clean, you can use disinfectant or warm soapy water.

• Place food waste in your food bin so that you do not have to wait more than seven days to have your food waste collected.

• When putting food waste into the kitchen food bin use the green kitchen liners provided by the Council to wrap your food.

• Make sure that you never leave any food, including pet food, uncovered. Flies can lay eggs on food before you have a chance to put it in the appropriate bin.

• When putting pet food waste into the black bin tie up any bags of rubbish tightly. If you can't, then it may help to double-wrap rubbish.

• If nappies are included in your waste double bag these also, or consider using real reusable nappies.

• Ensure that the lid of your wheelie bin is kept closed.

• Don't leave food waste and unrinsed food containers open in your kitchen.

• Rinse food packaging that cannot be recycled to reduce the risk of smells.

• Store your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight, as the sun will warm up the bin, increase the risk of smells and attract flies. If your bin is broken or does not shut properly contact the Council’s Waste Services Team to arrange a repair or replacement.

"In the unlikely event that maggots do get into your wheelie bin, most of them will go when your bin is emptied. If some are left behind:

• Maggots and fly eggs can be killed by carefully using boiling water.

• Clean/wash your bin out after it has been emptied. If you don't want to clean it yourself, you may want to get in touch with professional bin cleaners who may operate independently in your area.

• Try using a cleaning product with a fragrance, which will help to deter the flies from your bin."

Visit maldon.gov.uk.