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Compost Bin infested with ants

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by jazzy, Aug 13, 2022.

  1. jazzy

    jazzy Gardener

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    Just started composting and I noticed that my compost bin is full of ants. Is this good or bad?
     
  2. Clueless 1 v2

    Clueless 1 v2 Total Gardener

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    Personally I would only be bothered if the ants were invading places I didn't want them to be. Compost bins are full of all sorts of creatures, they're like an entire eco system all of their own. I also find ants fascinating to watch at times. If you disturb an ant's nest, you'll see them all immediately hurry to work. Some will come out to see what it is that's just disturbed their nest. They're full of fight but luckily they're not that bright and they have poor vision, relying mostly on scent for their senses, so as long as you don't start wafting cortisol and adrenaline at them they won't realise it was you. Meanwhile the rest of them pick up any exposed eggs and carry them back under cover.

    I'd leave them be. I'm not aware of any pathogens they carry. They'll just spend their time cutting up bits of dead leaves in your compost bin to line their nest, which helps the composting process, and they'll catch the odd bug for dinner. That's about it I think.
     
  3. john558

    john558 Total Gardener

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    I could be wrong but Ants in the Compost Bin means it's too dry, chuck some water in there.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Upsydaisy

      Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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      Agree with @john558 , sounds way too dry.
       
    • Upsydaisy

      Upsydaisy Total Gardener

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