Grow Your Own Magazine

I have an ants nest in my compost heap. Is this a problem, or do I let them get on with it?

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James the novice

I've got an ants nest in mine too. I don't have a problem with it as they are aerating the compost but aparently its a sign that the compost is too dry or has too much brown stuff, which I know mine has cos I dug up my 'lawn' complete with a lot of soil, then got a compost bin and slung the lot in. I've started to add a little bit of kitchen waste to the compost bin now so it should eventually balance out, then the ants will take themselves off somewhere else. I try not to interfere with them as they have a lot of eggs and are obviously happy there (and I'm happy they're not trying to get into my kitchen). Anyway, you could have a look at these links:

Recycle now - Compost Bin Issues

Camden Council: Composting

I suppose it depends on how patient you are about getting your compost right. Personally, I'll let nature take its course for a while.

Thank you so much for the info. Tends to put the old mind to rest. Like you, I just let the compost look after itself. Can't be doing with all this turning the heap over. Too much like hard work.

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James the novice

Glad I'm not the only one with Ants in my compost bin - was starting to get a bit worried! lol!

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Best love

Steelsy
xxx

www.myspace.com/steelsy

I had a huge red ant nest under one of my melon plants, it was dying! Some wise grape suggested semolina - it seems to have worked wonders! Apparently, when spread around, the workers feed it to the queen, she bursts, therefore no more worker ants!

How this works regarding budhism and grandads I dread to think..........

Jane