How Do Ants Help Compost?
WouterHaving ants in your compost bin can either be beneficial or detrimental. They provide aeration for the compost. They also help distribute bacteria and fungi in the compost pile. But they can also harm the compost if they are aggressive and eat the beneficial organisms.
Using a sticky trap around the rim of the compost tumbler can help you catch ants. You can also sprinkle environmentally friendly “agents” on the ground to deter ants. These can be ground into fine flakes, which will not harm the beneficial “residents” in the compost.
Ants are attracted to moist environments. They are also attracted to food scraps, which they naturally eat. This food waste can also attract other pests. The right moisture level in your compost bin will keep most ants at bay.
Adding a few drops of water to your compost pile will help it stay moist. However, you should be careful not to add too much water as it can encourage ant populations. The best moisture level is between 40% and 60%.
The presence of ants in your compost pile can indicate that it is too dry. It can also indicate that the compost is not well balanced. To maintain the proper balance, the compost should be moist and reach an ideal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
The presence of ants in your kitchen compost bin can also indicate a more serious problem. They have strong olfactory senses and can smell food from a distance. They are also known to have a carnivorous appetite.
