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ants again!

North Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Gb

when i opened my compost bin it was crawling with ants! Are they beneficial or should i get rid?




Answers

 

I've had this problem too. They will eventually turn into flying ants and take off all together. To discourage them you should turn the whole heap as they don't like to be disturbed.Don't use any chemicals as you will destroy beneficial bugs etc in the heap.

27 Apr, 2009

 

the ones running around are workers. they will be tending the grubs that will pupate into winged females and go off to start a new colony. If they are not doing you any harm leave them. they are beneficial in the garden, by eating greenfly etc. they also farm them and take the honeydew from them as food. The males are also winged and provide the genetic mix :o)

but volunteers advice is good if you want to discorage the little things.

27 Apr, 2009

 

thanks both, have turned the heap one thing i don't like is ants...don't know why they just make me shiver!!

27 Apr, 2009

 

i bet you saw that film on the telly in the 60/70's that swarmed through africa and ate a man in a canoe, alive. i remember having nightmares. i still shiver involuntaryily when i come across them unexpectedly.

I do marvel at their biology though. A bugs life and Antz have helped a bit. :o)

27 Apr, 2009

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