I have a question about my compost pile. I have one of those vinyl bins that you wrap around and stake. Its about 2/3 full. The top of it is loaded with ants! I dont mind the other bugs and critters living in there, but I really dont like the ants. I have turned it a couple of times in the last couple of weeks, but the ants are still there. Am I doing something wrong or is there something else I should be doing? Other than being in a compost bin, its pretty much a let it rot system. We add garden refuse to it, wet it down occasionally, and turn the top foot every now and then, but thats about it. Help please!!
how much fresh vegetation is in there? a lot? how many ants? the whole colony? how long have you had this compost pile before you had infestation. you may be on an ant hill, and maybe change location?
There's not a lot of fresh vegetation, mostly lawn clippings, yard trimmings and dried leaves. there are many, many (thousands?) ants. The compost bin has only been in this location since spring. Prior to that, the ground was bare and there were no signs of ants. I've only noticed the ants in about the last 3 to 4 weeks. Thanks for your concern. I appreciate any help you might offer.
Perhaps the compost is too dry. Mix it up as much as possible and water it well. Perhaps it's time to lift off the vinyl wrap, put it beside the composted material, and sift out the usable compost, returning unfinished material to the new pile. That's what we do. Also, add a wire chimney to the center of your composter to allow air down into it and thus speed decomposition. I highly recommend Mike McGrath's Book of Compost, availible through Amazon or your local library.
