My compost pile attracts ants. Is that good for compost? What should I do?

Question

The pile is actually a pile of stuff on the dirt, in the common area behind our yard. It looks like a pile of leaves but I add vegetable matter to it once in a while. I saw ants the other day (there's a ton of them near this area, central florida). I think I've created an all-you-can-eat buffet for the ants, but as I understand, they don't help to create organic matter due to their acid secretions. Please let me know... Should I spray bug spray on it? I can't use a composting box since I don't have a fenced yard. Thanks.

Answer 1

Like Hannah said, keep it turned and if it builds up heat, the ants won't like it so much. You could cover it with a piece of black plastic to help it get hot.  Also good to keep it moist. But I don't think ants are really a problem in the compost.  Some people think they are useful because they do move things around in the pile and so benefit it.

Answer 2

I'm in Ocala and I've pretty much always had some bugs in my compost - and just about everywhere else as well.  DON'T USE PESTICIDE ON YOUR COMPOST. Please!  You are trying to do something good for the earth, don't mess it up with pesticide.  If the ants are a real problem for you, there are some things you can do.  Turn the compost frequently.  With our heat and humidity, a pile can break down pretty quickly, and turning it will keep it heated, which the ants won't like. (A well maintained pile can get surprisingly hot.)  You can also try putting your veggie matter in a blender before putting it in the pile.  Yes, it sounds weird, but it helps the matter break down more quickly and harder for the critters to get to.  Another suggestion is getting a compost tumbler.  It'll keep the compost contained and off the ground so ants will have a harder time getting to it.  If all of this sounds like a lot of work, I'd suggest doing what I do and just living with it.  It is Florida after all and bugs come with the territory.

http://wickedgardener.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Ants are actually beneficial to the compost pile. They help break down larger organic material that the smaller bacteria can't.

There are 3 types of organisms that live in compost. The first are the microscopic bacteria. One teaspoon of compost can contain billions of bacteria. These bacteria do most of the work. Some bacteria will produce a high temperature in your compost, up to 150F. This temperature kills weed seeds, other unwanted plants, insects, etc...

Other bacteria work after the high temp. bacteria have done their jobs. Then there are the larger organisms that help break down compost. These can be seen somewhat with the naked eye. They include fungus and mold.

Lastly are the Macroorganisms, like ants, worms, spiders, millipedes. These work to move the compost and also break it down. Worms eat the organic matter and in digesting it, produce 'castings' or worm p**p. Castings are some of the greatest fertilizer there is. Ants, spiders, and the other creepy crawlies help aerate the compost by moving through the pile and allowing air into the interior.

If your pile is in the hot stage, you do NOT want to turn it at this point. The heat breaks down compost faster than anything else and kills all the things you DON'T want to grow when you put the compost in the garden. Once the heat drops in the center of the pile, THEN you can turn it. I turn mine twice a month. I have a double bin 4'x5'x4'. I got a load of horse manure in sawdust last year. It has broken down very nicely. It has lots of bugs in it and is turning a very nice black color.  

Answer 4

Do not spray poisons on your compost pile-that will kill all the life that is making compost for you.

The ants are a natural part of the process, they do a lot of soil turning and aireation in your pile and are beneficial to the composting process. Leave them alone.

Answer 5

You need to cover it with dirt and keep turning it. Like shovel it around and try to like mash up the matter. My compost pile is full of worms!