Taking out the rubbish is, for some odd reason, one of the most laborious jobs around every household. You will either be the one pestering someone or the one getting pestered about letting the full bin sit too long without emptying it out. While all of us would gladly give up this chore, the consequences of ignoring the task are far too taxing as bins are arguably the greatest hotspot for pest infestations.
Common Pests Around the Bin
There are many pests that attack and swarm around filled or dirty bins as it provides either a breeding ground or acts as a source of food and scraps. Following are some of the pests that you should look out for near your bin area:
Fruit Flies
One of the most common pests that are found in abundant numbers around all kinds of garbage are fruit flies. Comprising a variety of species, these flies are not just annoying, but also carriers of many viruses and diseases. They only live for around a month each but they reproduce quickly, which is why they can be difficult to get rid of entirely.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are arguably the most frequently found- and feared- home pest. These bugs are usually found in the kitchen area, especially behind and within the trash can. These bugs also come out in search of nourishment and thrive in dark, moist environments. They indicate a major sanitation issue and need to be dealt with immediately before they cause a full blown infestation.
Rats and Mice
These little rodents are attracted by food material as they venture out, mostly at night time, to forage for their next meal. Unfortunately, they carry a lot of diseases and can also cause a fair bit of damage with their sharp teeth to your furnishing.
Wasps
Nobody likes wasps, especially not when they are defending their food and are ready to strike. These insects are typically attracted to rotting fruit material in trash bins. Make sure you dispose of your waste from the bin before it gets to that point.
Flies and Blowflies
While there are about 30,000 species of fly in Australia, we only really come into contact with four groups: the bush fly, house fly, blowfly, and the mosquito. Although hated, the fly is nature’s little recycler, and they are very good at their job. Female flies are great at finding rotting organic matter, be that dung, rotting food or dead bodies, to lay their eggs in.
Take Out the Trash!
But prevention is always better than treatment, which is why you should try your level best to avoid getting into a pest-y situation to begin with. Make it a habit to regularly empty out your bin and clean it out with hot water and soap so it remains as clean as possible. Always line your bin with a plastic or biodegradable bin bag. Tie the top of the bag in a secure knot before you go to take the rubbish out. Try to keep separate bins for wet and dry waste, and invest in bins with lids to prevent odours and pests like flies.
Doing this will save you a world of trouble that comes with a pest infested bin, or worse- a pest infested home.