Don't let maggots worm way into home

Over the last month I’ve received six calls from new homeowners that have “toilet maggots.” All of these homes were bought through the foreclosure process and had set vacant for 6 months or more. All of these homes were on a septic system which had been pumped; waste elimination, before the home was occupied. All of these homes had the old septic tank with a large portal for sewage extraction. All of these homes had been refurbished except for the toilets which seemed salvageable.  All of the new home owners were horrified; especially the wife, at seeing these little buggers wiggling around at the bottom of the toilet bowl.

Because of the above, I thought this topic would be a good topic to discuss in my weekly article.

The worms seen at the bottom of the toilet bowl are maggots. They come from the scavenger fly (Sepsidae). The larvae live in excrement and various types of decaying organic materials. The adults are common flies similar to the ones that land on your food during picnics.

 Since most septic systems are closed systems, the only way they can get into it is if the system is opened or has a break somewhere within the system. The larvae will easily breed in the sewage sludge and will work their way back into the commode.

I guess the big question is “How do I get rid of the darn things”? The process is not so easy. It is a four (4) step process and will take time for the process to work:

n Check your septic system to make sure there are no breaks which would allow adults flies the system.

n Discon-nect the toilet, drain all of the water from it, lift the toilet off the floor and check the wax ring that sits around the pipe flange and the toilet base. Dollars to donuts you will find the space around the flange is full of these little guys. Clean out the wax ring and eliminate the infestation. Re-insert a new double wax ring which will ensure a complete seal around the flange and toilet base.

n You want to get your septic tank as hot as possible to kill the remaining larvae. Pour into the drain system several boxes of toilet yeast. Note: There are several brands on the open market. Every month pour into your toilet a new box of this yeast which will keep the septic tank cooking, killing the larvae.

n Keep your toilet lids closed when not in use. This will prevent adult flies from entering the bowl and laying new larvae eggs.

For more specific information contact your local plumber.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.