Maggots are the larvae of flies, primarily caused by adult flies laying eggs on suitable food sources. Flies are attracted to food waste, rubbish, carrion, feces, or rotting food, where they deposit their eggs. These eggs hatch into maggots within 7 to 24 hours if conditions are favorable, such as warmth, moisture, and the presence of decomposing organic matter

. Key causes of maggots include:

• Flies having access to exposed food waste or rubbish where they can lay eggs

• Unsanitary conditions, such as dirty, cluttered spaces or improper waste management, creating an environment conducive to maggot development

• High temperatures, humidity, and exposed food accelerate maggot presence and development

• In some cases, maggots can develop in open wounds or on living tissue, causing a parasitic condition called myiasis, where certain fly species lay eggs on or near wounds or body openings

Preventing maggots involves keeping areas clean, properly disposing of waste, covering food, and limiting fly access to potential breeding sites

. In summary, maggots are caused by flies laying eggs on decomposing organic material or waste, which then hatch into larvae under favorable environmental conditions.