How to Grow Maggots in Winter

Those with Venus flytrap plants, fishermen and others who have pets which eat small insects may want to grow maggots. You can grow maggots any time of the year, though attracting flies to raw and rotting meat in the summer is easier. Winter months are when flies tend to be dormant and less active, thus making growing maggots a longer process.

Things You'll Need

  • Raw meat (beef or chicken)
  • Plastic container
  • Plastic wrap
  • Duct tape or rubber bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a piece of raw meat, such as chicken or beef, in the bottom of a plastic container. Make sure the meat is fresh and raw. Add a few drops of water to the top of the meat to moisten.

    • 2

      Cover the container with plastic wrap. Secure the edges tightly using duct tape or rubber bands. Poke holes in the top of the plastic wrap with a fork. Allow enough holes for flies to get in and out of the container.

    • 3

      Place the container of raw meat in the warmest spot of your house. In winter months, warmer spaces include heated garages, attics or finished basements. Place the container in a far off corner to prevent the smell from permeating other areas of the room or space. Sit the container beside trash cans if possible, especially if housed in a garage which is warmer than the outdoors in winter.

    • 4

      Check on the container by shining a flashlight or holding the container up to light every one to two days. Flies will be attracted to the rotting meat and lay eggs as they land on the meat. Maggots will hatch from the eggs. Once you have seen flies going in and out of the container, take the container to a new location. This will help prevent an infestation of flies from occurring in that original location.

    • 5

      Remove maggots as necessary for use as fishing bait, plant fertilizer or exotic pet food. Repeat the process as needed. Make sure to rinse the maggots under cold water to remove traces of the spoiled meat.