Eeeek!!! Ants in my compost bin!

[Jesse]

I opened the bottom door of my compost bin (those green plastic kind) today hoping to mulch some plants and discovered that an ants nest has taken up residence. My 5 year old son has spent most of the afternoon drowning the poor things with the hosepipe  :-\

How do I persuade them to set up home somewhere else (preferably without the use of poison) and why did they take a fancy to my compost bin, did I not keep it moist enough?

[Jesse]

[derbex]

I think you answered your own question. Turning it regularly would help as well.

Jeremy

[Julia]

6 years later and I've got this problem.  Not looking forward to wintertime when I start spreading the stuff around.  Expect I'll get attacked!

[rog_pete]

I have a resident frog in my compost bin...

[goodlife]

No..ants are not problem..they will not attack you...
I assume you have those small black sort...beside during the winter ant colony is small anyway and more likely not even there anymore... ;)

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How do I persuade them to set up home somewhere else
They will go away on their own..no worries..untill you need your compost, just leave them be..they do not do any harm.. ;D ;)

[manicscousers]

and ant soil is very fine  ;D

[Old bird]

I have had slow worms in one plastic compost bin for 4 years and so haven't disturbed it - but this last winter I think finished most of them off although I still have one there but also I have now inherited ants in there - the slow worm doesn't seem to mind so I am leaving them to it! 

Old Bird

:D