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Post by trudy on Apr 12, 2006 3:38:47 GMT -6
My compost pile has gotten ants (lots of them), how do I treat them organically. I was trying to turn it yesterday and had to stop cause they kept crawling up the pitchfork and getting on my shoes. I'm not above using a chemical if need be to rid them, but would like to try organically first. Suggestion please. TIA, trudy
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Post by Pharmer Phil on Apr 12, 2006 4:08:41 GMT -6
your pile is too dry. Turn the pile to disrupt them, then water it till it's wet, but not saturated, other than being a nuisance to you, they aren't going to hurt your compost, in fact, they actually help.
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Post by trudy on Apr 12, 2006 11:02:00 GMT -6
Thanks, I thought I had been overwatering it, but guess not. T
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Post by Compost Pharmer on Apr 14, 2006 21:21:46 GMT -6
As long as they are not those dreaded Army ants. They bit and hurt.
BTW, I water my compost heap everyday after watering the garden.
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Post by trudy on Apr 15, 2006 12:06:51 GMT -6
Since my posting I've started watering it after the garden gets a drink. Thanks for the help. T
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Post by deb65802 on Apr 15, 2006 18:02:13 GMT -6
put comfrey, grass clipping, fresh manure in the mix and it will heat up so much it will drive them out.
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Post by trudy on Apr 15, 2006 18:40:08 GMT -6
I wish I had all that stuff to put in there, not available just yet. But will be later on. trudy
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Post by Compost Pharmer on Apr 15, 2006 19:34:45 GMT -6
 I add dried molasses to my compost to heat it up. Works great. 'Bout time to turn it again, once the wind dies down. Don't like getting compost in the face. 
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Post by trudy on Apr 15, 2006 20:01:40 GMT -6
What do you mean by dried molasses? What is that? T
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Post by kabuti on Apr 16, 2006 0:01:59 GMT -6
Mine had ant too but when I removed some of it they became quite offended & actually moved to a new residence. I like ants they are mortal enemies with termites & we are allies in the war on termites.
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crazy1
Junior Member
Day Tripper
Posts: 6
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Post by crazy1 on Apr 16, 2006 5:18:22 GMT -6
Its a feed suppliment, It's dried molasses. In the pharm stores in the pheed isle  I use it in our garden  |
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Post by trudy on Apr 16, 2006 6:08:16 GMT -6
Hmm, will have to ask about that at the feed store. Kabuti I don't mind ants in some places, I keep some hills around just for taxidermy purposes. But don't really want them in other places if possible. They hurt when they bite, lol. Thanks, trudy
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Post by Compost Pharmer on Apr 16, 2006 7:41:46 GMT -6
I buy mine at the feed store as well. Here they call it 'Sweet PDZ'. Don't know what PDZ stands for . It looks like ground coffee and smells real sweet. I find it is cheaper then buying it at a garden store. The last bag I bought I think I paid $7.95 for a 50lbs bag. Garden centers want up to $19.95 for 50lbs. I try to keep the 'greens' and 'browns' about 50%. Makes great compost. Would like to find a farm to get some manure. Would make even better compost. |
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Post by trudy on Apr 16, 2006 8:15:53 GMT -6
About an hour from here I was told I could get a truckload (S10 size) of mushroom compost for $27.00 and a full size truckload for $60. I can get all the manure I want from a friend of mine. So which would be better the M.compost or the molasses or the manure? T
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Post by Compost Pharmer on Apr 16, 2006 20:47:09 GMT -6
If it was me, I would add the manure, mushroom compost, and dried molasses to the compost. Be aware that the mushroom compost will stink. I once worked with it. Makes great growing material for the garden. 
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Post by trudy on Apr 17, 2006 3:24:38 GMT -6
Thanks, Trudy
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Post by deb65802 on Apr 17, 2006 9:35:13 GMT -6
the mushroom compost is so good has all kinds of good stuff to break down compost fast.
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I use it in our garden