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How to Breed Maggots

Maggots, or waxworms, are a favorite bait for panfish anglers. Maggots are the larval stage of an insect belonging to the order Diptera (commonly known as flies). They grow in rotting food, so the smell alone is enough to deter most would-be maggot farmers! However, some hearty souls prefer to breed their own.

Things You'll Need

5-gallon bucket
Piece of raw ring bologna
3/8-inch wire mesh

Instructions

- 1
  Take the raw ring bologna and place it into your bucket. You will produce more maggots with more bologna.
- 2
  Put the bucket outside in a warm, dry and shady place. Flies will find it almost instantly.
- 3
  Cut your 3/8-inch wire mesh so that it covers the entire opening of the 5-gallon bucket. Place a rock on top of the mesh to hold it in place. The mesh will prevent birds from eating your bait.
- 4
  Check your bucket every couple of days. You should see signs of maggot infestation.
- 5
  The larvae will exit the bologna when they are ready. Collect the larvae after you see them crawling around on the bottom of the bucket. Place them in a container with some wood shavings and refrigerate.

Insects & Science