Ants in my compost

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
GreenGuvnor Somerset, NJ(Zone 6b) Jun 21, 2009

I've been clearing out black plastic bags in my back yard that were full of garden waste from last year. They have all turned to compost and I've added them one by one to my compost pile. However, one of the bags I had with the best compost of the lot contained a HUGE ants nest. I emptied this into a dump truck attachment to the lawn mower and sifted through. It is REALLY good quality compost and would be a real shame not to use it, but has thousands of ants in it.

Any suggestions as to how or if I should get rid of the ants? There are flying ants in there too...

Post #6719592
Quote
jcoakley Chicago, IL(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2009

Someone else correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe having ants in your soil or compost is a big deal. In fact they can help loosen the soil, which is a good thing. If it's bad to have ants, then I'm in big trouble, because they're all over the place in my flower beds . . .

Post #6719658
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 21, 2009

When I see them in the garden I generally don't worry too much about them, but anytime they're crawling all over plants I would check for aphids, scale, etc since they will farm them because they like the honeydew. Also if they're in a bed near the house I'll usually put out baits since I really don't want them getting in the house.

Post #6719751
Quote
flowAjen central, NJ(Zone 6b) Jun 22, 2009

They actually help aerate the soil too. If your compost is near a structure, then you may have problem.

Post #6720697
Quote
GreenGuvnor Somerset, NJ(Zone 6b) Jun 22, 2009

Thanks. The composter is right outside my kitchen, so its probably not a good idea to put them in there, right? Maybe I'll dump the ant ridden compost away from my house, give the ants some time to vacate, then move it back... It seems a shame to get rid of nearly 10 cu ft of great compost.

Post #6720815
Quote
wormfood Lecanto, FL(Zone 9a) Jun 22, 2009

DE is diotomatious earth, it gets rid of the ants because it irratates their hard bodies. I'll find the link.........
http://www.earthworkshealth.com/
and it doesn't hurt earthworms, but ants kill eat earthworms.

Post #6722191
Quote
swtnis Rotonda West, FL(Zone 10a) Jun 28, 2009

ya , I never even gave a second thought to the ants in my compost....

Post #6748273
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP