Topic: Ants nest in compost heap?

[Pookledo]

They seem to like just under the top layer of cardboard so I keep disturbing them, but they are still there.

Any ideas what to do about them?

[Columbus]

Hi  :)

Ants like to be where its dry. A dry compost heap isn`t going to do much.

If its always dry I`d spray the hosepipe into your compost bin for a while, or leave the lid off and wait for rain and in future add some more green stuff to your mix. (kitchen waste, comfrey leaves or grass cuttings if you have them)

If the heap is generally ok I`d leave them be, they will aereate it with their tunnels and help break it down and they will leave when its damper or you use the compost.

Be careful of ant bites though. I have suffered very badly with itchy red marks that hang around for weeks from ant bites this year.

Good luck, Col

[Pookledo]

Thankyou. The heap generally looks ok, but my boyfriend hates ants and has expressed concern.

I'll get it watered :)

[KathrynH]

My compost bin had a huge ants nest in it last year. I didn't do anything about it (more laziness than deliberate) and this year all of the ants have gone and the compost is no worse for it.

[ipt8]

It is too dry if you have ants in it. ;)