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Ants in Compost bin

micxsamicxsa Posts: 18
in Problem solving
Just removed the lid of the compost bin to put grass cuttings in and was amazed to see lots and lots of ants/eggs - are they beneficial or not? - bin is about 3/4 full 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    They’re not doing any harm ... however they’re an indication that your compost heap is too dry so won’t break down
    properly ... keep it damp and stirred and turn it regularly. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have to say, this is not my experience at all. Ants love to set up home in my compost bin, even if soggy. The make chambers and ventilate it to their satisfaction. One load of compost last year had got positively wet but they had made a huge nest. The damp didn't seem to bother them at all. And yes, they don't like disturbance, so giving the compost a regular stir or turn will put them off. Do it carefully or you can get quickly covered in ants.
  • micxsamicxsa Posts: 18
    Thank you both, by coincidence I have left the lid off and it is now raining, if the rain is not heavy I will get the hose out, thanks again
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    And stir it up and turn it over 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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