Medical Maggots (TM) (germ-free, laboratory-grown fly larvae) are used for a wide variety of non-healing wounds, including pressure ulcers ("bed sores"), venous stasis ulcers, neuropathic foot ulcers (like many types of diabetic ulcers) and non-healing traumatic or post surgical wounds.

In the United States, Medical Maggots (TM) are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription only medical device used in the care and treatment of wounds. They cannot be released without a prescription or an order to do so by an appropriately licensed health care provider.

What do real patients say about maggot therapy? Find out for yourself by watching and listening to their stories. This page also contains instructional videos demonstrating how to make maggot dressings.

Additional information about making maggot dressings can be found in our Support Section.


If you do not have insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, and if you do not have the financial means to cover the cost of treatment, ask your doctor to provide the service at a reduced fee, and apply for a Patient Assistance Grant from the BTER Foundation to cover the cost of the maggots.


If you are looking for a therapist to evaluate your wound for maggot therapy, first ask your current physician or surgeon. S/he knows you already, and can provide local care and follow-up. Your current doctor or wound care therapist may already have experience with maggot therapy. Even if not, the procedure is simple enough that most licensed therapists can do it their first time with ease. We have a clinical consultant on-call to assist your therapist. Courses are also available (see BTER Foundation or our support pages).

If that is not possible, or if your therapist would like to speak with others who have more experience, contact us for a referral. Sorry, we cannot post the names of therapists or their contact information.