View Full Version : Attack of the Ants at the compost pile
arthousefilms
11-25-2008, 06:00 PM
Yikes,
1000's of ants have made a nest or were born in my compost bin. Any ideas of how to get rid of them or should I just let them help out the decomposition?
Thanks,
Kirk
Yikes, 1000's of ants have made a nest or were born in my compost bin. Any ideas of how to get rid of them or should I just let them help out the decomposition?
Ants burrow and create tunnels, which in turn bring oxygen into the center of the compost mass, enhancing the composting bacterial activity. And, if you turn the compost fairly regularly, you'll destroy their nest; they should be no problem at all.
Larry Robinson
11-26-2008, 08:32 AM
One of the great and free (to us) environmental services ants offer is breaking down (composting) organic material and aerating the soil. Bless them for their help.
If they come into your house - where you probably don't want them - you can place a bit of honey or sugar near where they come in. In a very short time, they will move outside.
arthousefilms
11-26-2008, 08:59 AM
Makes sense. Thanks for the info. Looks like they have found Nirvana then.
Kirk
Ants burrow and create tunnels, which in turn bring oxygen into the center of the compost mass, enhancing the composting bacterial activity. And, if you turn the compost fairly regularly, you'll destroy their nest; they should be no problem at all.
However, I wouldn't assume that they are helping breakdown the material in your compost pile unless you are adding a lot of sugary fruits. Most ants are carnivores, eating other insects. When they are not, they are often attracted to sugar. It really depends on the species. Unfortunately the species that is very happy to live around humans is the Argentine ant, a non-native species as the name suggests, and one that is displacing most of our wonderful native ants. They are probably the species most often found entering our homes here. More importantly they are a huge pest in some types of agriculture because they protect aphids from predation by other insects. In return they are rewarded with a nice sugary treat from the aphid. A very cool topic in biology, but not a very cool thing if aphids are attacking your roses! I am not suggesting you need to rid them from your pile, but I wouldn't feel any loss by disturbing their nest.
arthousefilms
11-26-2008, 12:51 PM
Hmmm. Thanks for the info. There are quite a bit of fruit rinds and sugary things in our compost. Maybe I'll just keep turning the pile and the ants will burn up.
By the way, do their nests look like little cotton balls the size of a marble?
Kirk
_____
However, I wouldn't assume that they are helping breakdown the material in your compost pile unless you are adding a lot of sugary fruits. Most ants are carnivores, eating other insects. When they are not, they are often attracted to sugar. It really depends on the species. Unfortunately the species that is very happy to live around humans is the Argentine ant, a non-native species as the name suggests, and one that is displacing most of our wonderful native ants. They are probably the species most often found entering our homes here. More importantly they are a huge pest in some types of agriculture because they protect aphids from predation by other insects. In return they are rewarded with a nice sugary treat from the aphid. A very cool topic in biology, but not a very cool thing if aphids are attacking your roses! I am not suggesting you need to rid them from your pile, but I wouldn't feel any loss by disturbing their nest.
The nests should not have a cotton or fuzzy appearance. If they are actually nesting in your compost pile, then you will see them running about carrying their little white larvae after you disturb them. As for what you are seeing, I could only guess.
nicofrog
11-27-2008, 10:22 AM
Ah;
compost!my favorite topic!
ants are no big deal Just means your pile is running a little dry.
compost should be kept the moisture level of a squeezed out sponge.
If you turn your compost regularly, with a pitchfork,(at least once every 2 weeks) it should be hot steamy and too damp for ants.
.covered so rain does not leach out nutrients,or make it too damp and stinky.
.in the shade
.not too close to your house if possible
.critter proof( rats,coons dogs)
ants are bad for worm bins
Nico
good luck!!
MsTerry
11-27-2008, 06:50 PM
If you have ants then your compost pile is not HOT enough, you probably only put things on it, rather then turn it over.
Work it more and the ants will move, they are no problem though, they are hard workers!
Yikes,
1000's of ants have made a nest or were born in my compost bin. Any ideas of how to get rid of them or should I just let them help out the decomposition?
Thanks,
Kirk