Slugs in compost bin

catsstripeypjs

My compost bin has a large number of fat green slugs that look just like gherkins. :eek:

Should I be pleased, or do I need to remove them?

Thanks.

trollopscarletwoman

catsstripeypjs wrote: »

My compost bin has a large number of fat green slugs that look just like gherkins. :eek:

Should I be pleased, or do I need to remove them?

Thanks.

Can't see a problem with them. I know the large slugs you mean. It could indicate that the material is too wet but I doubt it.

The slugs will help the composting process in eating some of the material, excreting, and some dying thus being composted themselves. Slugs are also cannibalistic.

Some gardeners try to turn composting into a mysterious form of rocket science. I never turn the contents but still produce the lovely black stuff. Mind you, I have got 4 dalek style bins so the material does get at least a year to rot.

Davesnave

If they are resident in the bin, they're the type that eat mainly dead material, so they're no great threat to your plants.

catsstripeypjs

Davesnave wrote: »

If they are resident in the bin, they're the type that eat mainly dead material, so they're no great threat to your plants.

Thanks Dave, they do appear to have moved in and are very content eating my kitchen waste :rotfl:

pompeii

catsstripeypjs wrote: »

My compost bin has a large number of fat green slugs that look just like gherkins. :eek:

Should I be pleased, or do I need to remove them?

Thanks.

Hi composting is fascinating. I know nothing of the science of composting, I have been successfully composting for about 5 years now and have observed that once the first lot of compost was successful all the rest have been.
I have 2 bins I throw in mostly vegetation (kitchen waste or garden waste) and recently coffee grounds my son collects free from his fave coffee shop.
The composting process can take months but the end results are satisfying


I have just started a new bin about 2 weeks ago and also have noticed the slugs moving in, I always see this as a positive also later in the composting process there can be a lot of small flies and other creepy crawlies and lots of worms.
I empty mine when the compost is soil looking and there does not seem to be much creepy crawly activity.
If I am not ready to use it on the garden I store it in old compost bags and if its not fully composted it continues composting in the bags
In the early days if its looking too dry I throw a bucket of water in as well.
I am very relaxed about what's going on in the bins and trust my buggy friend to get on with it.