And are laid in human openings. Some key notes: They lay eggs in body openings such as wounds and the nose, eyes, ears and mouth. The eggs then hatch into maggots, or larvae, which feed on living tissue, causing painful, foul-smelling wounds. The CDC lists a few symptoms of New World screwworm in mammals, including: Feeling maggots (larvae) move or seeing maggots in a skin wound or sore, or in the ears, nose, eyes or mouth. Painful skin wounds or sores that worsen within a few days. A foul-smelling odor from the site of the infestation. Bleeding from open sores.