The application of Lucilia sericata larvae to chronic, infected wounds results in the rapid elimination of infecting microorganisms, including MRSA. Previously, we demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity of native excretions/secretions (nES) from L. sericata and partially purified two low mass antibacterial compounds with masses of 0.5–10kDa and <500Da. The present study reports the antibacterial effects of the <500Da fraction (ES <500 ) on the growth and morphology of a range of bacteria, including 12 MRSA strains. Distinct morphological changes were observed in Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli following exposure to ES <500 . Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses, in conjunction with turbidometric and CFU assays, revealed bacteriostatic activity of nES against S. aureus and E. coli. ES <500 also demonstrated bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus, however, bactericidal activity and the induction of a viable but non-culturable state were observed with ES <500 -treated E. coli.