Ants In My Compost Bin?

As mentioned before, I have one side that is actively composting and the other side that is sifted and ready to use. We went to plant some plants this weekend and uncovered the plastic to get some of the good stuff and after we scooped out several scoops realized that there were like thousands of ants in it.

I hate to put chemicals in it, but I can't think of anything else to do but to use fire ant killer sprinkled in there.

Any suggestions?

Your pile is too dry.

Good to see you back Irish!

Try Seven dust around the edge of the pile....It wont hurt you and they dont like it very much it seems... I used to put it around my pop up camper legs when they would try to come in and that stopped them......

No idea, but perhaps a bunch of grits - and keep the pile dry for a bit?

diatomaceous earth?? Couldn’t be wet tho

Ants have an exoskeleton. DE only works on soft bodied insects.

The few searches I did said DE works on ants.

I always thought that if I ever became a Rap star that "Diatomaceous Earth" would be a great stage name.

If it ever stops raining, I'll go over there and uncover it.

Thanks for all the comments guys...

Try coffee grounds. Sprinkle them on the mound . I used them in my raised beds and it worked . I don’t think it kills them . They just move. Then you can use chemicals to kill them.

mix some powdered cinnamon in or sprinkle it on the mound. They will leave. I sprinkle it on the ground around where we feed our animals outside and the ants will not come near the food. without it, they cover the bowls in a matter of an hour.