Compost Discussion Thread (Merged Threads)

djohn2002uk

stevanbt wrote:

Hello all,
We have a compost bin, we use it a lot. However, every time we open the lid a swarm of Fruit Flies escape.

Does anyone have any ideas how to control them?

The only thing I've found is:-
Leave the lid off to encourage natural preditors to eat them. But I haven't got a clue what natural preditors to encourage. And I can't leave the lid off for too long incase the contents get wet.

No worries about it getting wet, it is better, contents will take a lot longer to rot down when dry. What do you think happens in open compost heaps?. The lid is only there because they are usually used in close proximity to the house. A good amount of water every now and then will speed the process up.
And the flies help too and are only seen as you add stuff so not a problem.

jayarr_2

hi
over the last couple of days, ive noticed that my compost bin is teeming with ants, never noticed this before and we've had it years

am very careful about what i put in it, nothing cooked etc and only fruit and veg..

is it a problem..?

vivaladiva

Good question jayarr. I'll be interested in the replies because so is ours.

jayarr_2

i gave it a good turn over lastnight and some of the more usual creepies came out, but there's hardly any really

squeaky

Yep, they're fine. I've always considered them to be welcome visitors. the page below says more:-

http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/todo_now/faqs.php?id=117

thriftlady_2

Apparently,there are more ants than usual around at the moment,due to the heat especially flying ants.

My compost has lots of fruit flies,I'm trying to alternate veg=fruit waste with shredded newspaper and egg boxes.

jayarr_2

thanks for that, was bginning to get worried

never thought about egg boxes, i do newpapers tho and papers ive shredded with addresses on etc that i dont like putting in the wheely bin

thanks

Gingham_Ribbon

Hiya. There are a few threads on composting in the green board. I'll move this over for you.

(FWIW, mine is full of flies. Yuck!)

jayarr_2

oops..sorry

finc

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this so feel free to move it to the correct place if I'm wrong

I've just ordered a compost bin for £4 from the RecycleNow website. There's a bigger one for £6 if you need more compost!

A bargain, O/S and help saving the planet in one go :T