maggots

[peeriesooky]

are maggots a health risk?

[HAnn521]

uhhhh... YUP!

[peeriesooky]

Could you tell me in what sense please.

[burnhal]

I would have said that the maggots themselves are not a health risk- what they feed on is though! Maggots have been used for centuries to clean wounds- they eat the corrupt flesh only.

[peeriesooky]

we have found them under our hallway and living room carpets although the house is totally clean. With 3 young childre, 4,2,6mths in the house i had to find out what i can as the council do not see there is a problem

[burnhal]

Have you got solid floors or a space under the floorboards? Are these blow-fly maggots?

[peeriesooky]

there is space under the floor .there is no floor boards but sheeted wood. it is a chalet and the structure wood is rotting. what are blow fly maggots? total novice in the world of maggot terms, lol.

[B00]

http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/ blowmag.html

[peeriesooky]

are these found in the uk?

[fuzzibear]

If you find you yourself are crawling with magots, then yes, perhaps there is a health issue to look into. On the other hand, magots arent generally carries of many viruses etc. In fact, many hospitals have reverted BACK to using magots to clean up wounds on people, as they ONLY eat DEAD flesh, leaving normal living healthy tissue intact. This was a practice used many years ago, which has been re-adopted as they do a very good job. These magots are purposfully 'bread' for the job - it wouldnt be a good idea to just use any mogots you come across.. but ALL magots ahere to the same rule about the dead flesh.

[fuzzibear]

Furthermore... make sure that these are indeed magots... as you may have identified them incorrectly. They could be woodworm or other such creatures.

[B00]

Yeah peeriesooky- they're found here in the UK as well. The American site is just the 1st one i came across.

By sounds of it, you need to start looking for decomposing bodies under ya floors. Rather you than me with that one!

Good luck!!

[logman]

Hi peeriesooky, The general term "maggot" or "worm"are often used very loosely, The typical maggot in my mind is the fly larvea used as fishing bait, if they're under your carpet they could be the grubs of beetles or moths. Your council should have a duty to deal with pests, i would ask to speak to someone senior if they just fob you off.

[nickmo]

Its more likely that they are the lava of a beetle rather than maggots which are the lava of flies - eating flesh and all that.

You need to speak to a pest control company lots do a free survey - or do a bit of research on the web - there are lots of site that will help in identifying the possible ones you have - and get a traetment for them before they change to beetle stage, then start the cycle again. You can treat the problem yourself without employing a company, but make sure you use the right treatment.

Maggots carry a variety of comunicable diseases - used in cleaning wounds only from ones bred in sterile conditions - or would you think the NHS has resorted to trolling the dustbins to get some assistance with their procedures??.

Carpet beetle, spider beetle, woodworm even - take samples to the Council as well if they won't act and don't leave 'til they agree to investigate further - they have a 'duty of care' especially if children are involved, and if it is a potential health issue they are liable for the eradication.

[logman]

Hey ! Great minds think alike nickmo..

[peeriesooky]

thank you for your help i will see what happens today and let you know .

[nickmo]

Peeriesooky - do let us know what the outcome is - always interesting to get an update.

And hi, logman - spooky sometimes, this place!

[peeriesooky]

the council have finally been for a look although enviromental health have denied seeing anything. Will post more updates as they happen