compost bin - overrun with ants

hotcookie101

Hi, I have a bog standard plastic compost bin with a door at the bottom and a lid on the top. is full of composted grass twigs food peeling etc, unfortunately also full of ants!
My garden is a haven for ants and have given up hope of getting rid of them (have tried nippon bait traps which worked to keep them from house but nowhere else and have a cat so cant really use powder etc) but would like to know if
A) anyone has any ideas of ridding my compost of them, and/or
will they do my plants any harm? am I trying to kill them off for no reason? (apart from the odd nasty bite but the mosquitos in the pond are much worse and another story :mad:
Thanks

Lord_Gardener

Just keep turning your compost and they'll soon move on - they don't like being disturbed! You'll never them off being the most successful insect around!

greenfingeredsteve

possibly your compost is too dry add more wet product to it ,they wont like it too moist and will go

josie

I know it's good to have lots of things busy chewing over my compost, like worms etc., but on turning my compost over yesterday, I've discovered loads of ants and ants eggs in it! :eek:

I guess if they're processing all the rubbish then maybe that's fine and I just have to live with it, but not sure if they'll be doing it any good? Any advice please?

I obviously don't want to put ant powder in my lovely natural compost.

jimjams_mommy

I dont know if it was the heat but I have loads and have left them, its my first year with my compost bin and have ants and the odd slug. I never felt such contempted as I do for the slugs and snails in my garden. ( I didn't think I could have such feelings after they attacked my plants, does the hate lessen when you grow more?)

Lord_Gardener

Just turn and water your compost and they'll soon move on!!

mouseymousey99

Hello - Can I ask for some more advice please? As above my compost bin (99% full, but you can always pack some more in) has lots of ants in it. Should I be worried or do I leave them to it??
Many thanks

Ooops think I've just found the answer:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=903433&highlight=ants+compost

I'll be sending 'himself' out to help things along!!!

Lula-Hula

Thanks for including that link to the answers, I have the same problem & wasnt too concerned as my compost is lovely but they do crawl up my arms when I'm getting stuff out so will now water & turn more regularly

mouseymousey99

Its my fault, I've crammed so much stuff in it! I can't open the little door - something to worry about later! Love the name Lula-Hula!!
Mxx

arkonite_babe

We have a thread similar to this already, I'll add your query to it so all the replies are together. Posts are listed in date order so you'll need to read from the beginning to catch up