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Help! Red ants nest in my compost bin!

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  • #1

    Help! Red ants nest in my compost bin!

    So I finally got my bum in gear to turn my compost bin. The bottom is dripping wet, the top bone dry. I opened the hatch and got a shovel full of red ants. Any advice? Do I crack on an turn it. We have these terrible red ants all over the garden. They're nasty buggers and bite


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  • #2
    You say you opened the hatch - is it a Dalek type composter? If so the easiest way is to lift the whole thing off, fork over your compost and then re-load it.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by HoofyLoo View Post
      my compost bin... the top bone dry.
      and that's why the ants have moved in: it's a nice warm dry hotel


      take the whole dalek up and off the ground, resite it, then start shovelling the unrotted stuff back in, but watering well between each layer
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        Yep the top is bone dry but the bottom is sodden and this is where the ants are. I'll have to have a think about where I can resite the composter. :/


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        • #5
          Originally posted by HoofyLoo View Post
          Yep the top is bone dry but the bottom is sodden and this is where the ants are. I'll have to have a think about where I can resite the composter. :/
          Yes, ants generally build their nests where the soil is damp. Also that is where they are going to find their protein - insect larvae and such. Do be careful turning the compost - make sure you tuck trouser bottoms into socks or wear wellies, and watch out for ants running up the fork handle to your hands. Red ants can be aggressive, and the pain of a bite is much worse than that of a black ant.

          edit: I'd be inclined to empty the dalek out and just spread it all out as flat as possible if you have room. Leave it for a day or two before putting it back in the dalek, to encourage the ants to move home.
          Last edited by mothhawk; 21-04-2014, 06:08 PM.
          Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
          Endless wonder.

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          • #6
            Great idea Mothhawk! Thank you! I think we're due rain tomorrow so I may do it first thing an let the rain dampen everything.



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