I am also blessed with a flying ant nursery in my dalek, is new to me but am glad of guy from brums advice that is good thing. Certainly is fantastic to watch now I know is not a bad thing. Anyone know what best to do now to let them do their stuff and move on? Am more used to the slightly slower worm slug and woodlouse process. Many thanks from a keen amatuer. Also, by recycled beer and wine do you really mean wee or just gone stale booze?
My Dad insisted only men should pee on a heap as ladies introduce unwelcome hormones, was he kidding or is that right? Having I been wasting my resources all these years?
"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." Sir Terry Pratchett
Welcome to the forum @pollyconnor146. 'Recycled beer' means having a glass of wine etc and then peeing on the heap. Good for adding nitrogen.
I would just turn the compost to discourage the ants and prod them a bit to move their eggs, if you need to. Some people spread the mix out before they use it. I don't personally have space. I found an ant's nest yesterday in a bin I haven't looked at in ages. I was going to mix it in with new greens, but found it heaving with new life, eggs like a bucket of rice. Amazing. I took the lid off and prodded things a bit. I don't mind leaving that bin for a while if the ants need it. There is a hotel next door to the bin that should suit them fine, if they are look for a place to let.
It may be coincidence, but I have found that compost bins or heaps that are covered with plastic are less prone to ant infestation. I don't think it's because of the plastic.....Ants love sun and heat. If you can do your composting in the shade, it will encourage worms and fungi, both enemies of ants.
Thanks all shall let you know what happens (either flying ant nursery will break down material fast then move on, or my sole dalek is truly infested) or something in between to cooperate with) the!and all and let you know
My main compost heaps were OK but Dalek bin had ants nest like a previous post it was too dry. I watered mine for a couple of days and the ants packed up and moved out.
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