Home >> Science & Nature >> Insects & Science

How Do I Kill Maggots in My Carpet?

Maggots are the larval stage of flies and can reach more than 1/2 inch in length fully grown. Adult flies lay eggs on or near rotting vegetation, animals or manure. Eggs hatch quickly, and maggots immediately begin to consume the decaying food that surrounds them. Maggots pupate and emerge as adults within a few days. If you discover maggots in your carpet or home, treat them immediately before an infestation occurs.

Things You'll Need

Boric acid
Broom
Steam cleaner

Instructions

- 1
  Search your home for a possible source of the maggot infestation and eliminate it immediately. Many times when maggots are found in carpeting, nearby pet droppings are usually the cause.
- 2
  Sprinkle boric acid in your carpeting to kill maggots. Sweep it deep into your carpet fibers with a broom. Boric acid is a natural insecticide that effectively kills maggots.
- 3
  Vacuum your carpet and immediately discard the vacuum bag in an outside trash container. If maggots remain, repeat this process until all of the maggots are dead.
- 4
  Steam-clean your carpet to kill and remove any remaining maggot larvae. If you don't own a steam cleaner, you can rent one from a home improvement or grocery store.
- 5
  Screen all windows and doors to keep house flies out of your home. Immediately replace or patch tears or rips in your screens.

Insects & Science