Ants in the compost

[debbiem]

We've just noticed that our second compost bin has been turned into a formicary. Is it OK to use the compost? The ants won't harm any plants would they? But in the same vein I don't want to harm the ants either......
The whole thing is so intricate and exquisite.......

[The witch]

Well I suppose the ants might harm you - large wood ants nip you know so watch out.

Red ants can be nasty little blighter's too

But I wonder if your compost bin is too dry as they have taken up residence there.

[The witch]

Just found this www.compost-it.org.uk/Factsheets/MiniBeasts.htm

[debbiem]

Thanks The witch, I've added that to my Bookmarks. The whole things applies to our bins! For some reason the compost in this bin is very dry whereas in the other bins it's very moist.
Thanks again!

[cheerypeabrain]

Thanks from me too The witch! We had ants in ours last summer, but didn't do anything apart from make sure we watered it...lovely crumbly compost we have now...in fact it's going on our veggie bed today ;D

[debbiem]

Thanks too for that, cheery - good to know that it'll turn out OK.