Maggots – Another Of Nature’s Unsung Heroes

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

If you’ve ever seen maggots writhing through decomposing animals or rotting food, it is nothing short of repulsive. Maggots are the insect version of cleaning up. That’s not to say some maggots will not destroy crops. Currently being treated, birds in the Galapagos are bothered by a parasitic fly affecting living birds.

When flies locate appropriate food sources, which can be anything from food, to rotting flesh, even poop, they will begin laying eggs. This article may surprise you when you learn, aside from the obvious cleaning up they do, some things you might never imagine.

Saving lives - Maggots have a voracious appetite and have been effectively helping wounds heal, even inhibiting infection. Soldiers who were injured in battle would heal faster when maggot therapy was used. Maggots who were grown in completely sterile conditions were applied to wounds.

Crime solvers – Forensic entomologists have used the lifecycle of maggots in assessing a person’s time of death.

FDA-Approved Debridement therapy –Medical maggots feed only on rotting flesh and can clear out the bacteria-infested tissue of a wound, which curbs inflammation, and allows healthy tissue to thrive, and the wound to close. Children with bone infections were successfully treated with maggot therapy. With diabetic patients and the rise of antibiotic resistance, non-healing wounds are treated with maggot therapy.

Composting – During the summer, trash that has been out too long, lifting the lid, you would likely see maggots everywhere devouring food. In fact, they are useful in creating nutrient-laden, rich compost. The black soldier flies consume organic animal waste and organic food so quickly, that the smelly bacteria that would otherwise be present in your compost, is lessened.

Overfishing – The protein in most feed for commercial pork, chickens, and fish farms comes from ocean fisheries, taking food from other marine life. Farming maggots consuming food waste – harvested, crushed, dried and turned into animal feed. This benefits marine life, limits food waste in landfills and decreases water pollution and methane emissions.

The information for this article was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

3rd Annual Comedy Show

JACKSON – Come out and support some great causes this year and have some laughs on April 1 at the Cassville Fire House.

Proceeds are to benefit The Jackson Elks Club to help Ethan who has Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, Jake’s Got this

Send

Foundation who is helping Ariana who has Cerebral Palsy.

Pasta dinner, cash bar, 50/50 and gift basket auction right after the event. See any member for tickets; $35 a ticket. They only have 200 seats available. Contact Cassville Fire House at 732-928-9100.

JACKSON – Tune into nature, it is the best way to relax! The team at Forest Resource Education Center are ready to show you how with many forest-focused educational experiences.

Peruse and pre-register for the small-group outdoor nature programs here: eventbrite.com/o/ forest-resource-education-center-31858983647

Below are the following upcoming events: Invasive Plants and Animals of the Pinelands: The number of invasive plants and animals are increasing and there is work to be done! See how to recognize and remove pests that have been creeping into our yards and local habitats. This program meets on March 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. out front of the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.

Pre-registration only, accepted on first-come basis. Accepting 15 people for this event and registration is free.

Galls and Burls: Come with us on a leisurely walk on our wooded trails in search of gall and burl! Learn how these natural objects are formed, why they exist and if they have any useful purposes. Enjoy the beauty and fresh air of our New Jersey forests.

This program meets on March 23 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. out front of the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.

Pre-registration only, accepted on first-come basis. Accepting 15 people for this event and registration is free.

New Jersey Squirrels: Let’s look for some squirrels. We will see some signs that they’ve left behind and learn how they talk to one-another. After our walk, we will have an opportunity

Made In Ocean County

NEW EGYPT – Join on May 20 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Egypt Flea Market. Come and shop Ocean County’s Best of the Best! Dozens of local vendors and handmade makers with products made in Ocean County for sale.

Art, home décor, baked goods, jewelry gifts, soaps, candles, produce food trucks & more! There is something for everyone at this free event. Shop local & shop made in Ocean. Leashed pets are welcome too.

If you are interested in attending as a vendor, apply via the online application at newegyptfleamarket.com. To apply for this event as a vendor, you must be a resident of Ocean County.

New Egypt Historical Society Open House

NEW EGYPT – New Egypt Historical Society Sunday Open House Tours at the Museum: April 2, 16, 23 and 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The museum will be open for the public to view our collections and documents will answer any question you may have. For more information call Margaret Neuman at 609-758-7237.