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Compost insects

What can I use in my compost bin to control fruit flies and gnat-type no-see-ums?

What can I use in my compost bin to control fruit flies and gnat-type no-see-ums?

Are you turning your compost regularly?

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I have a larger problem but the solution I found should work for you as well. My problem is the grizzly and black bears that like to come and get into my compost!!!
What I did forst was to blend all my compost in a blender, I had a Vitamix blender, with water and simply pour it in the garden and cover witth dirt. Then I discovered that I was getting too much compost for the blender to handle so I bought a used garbage disposal thing that goes under your sink. I wired it to work outside and now run all my compost through there with a watering can to add water. I cut a hole in a peice of plywood to fit it in but a friend did it with a sink and now I feel dumb. Anyway that works great for me in the summer. In the winter, although I could grind up the compost, I simply bury it whole and ninety percent of it is gone by the spring through the action of my worm buddies. If you dont have too much just use ba blender. I buy them att thrift stores for a couple of dollars and have about five on hand right now. I just can't turn down a good deal on good used blenders. Then you can just add the blended stuff right to your garden, cover with dirt and no more problems.

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Fruit flies don't bother me if they are outside in the compost, but I recently emptied my compost bin (had to move it for some construction) and discovered the entire composted contents heavily infested with those little roly poly pill bugs.  i think they're darned cute, but I believe they eat plant roots etc...so now how can I use that compost in the gardens?

So...is composting your hobby?

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Fruit flies don't bother me if they are outside in the compost, but I recently emptied my compost bin (had to move it for some construction) and discovered the entire composted contents heavily infested with those little roly poly pill bugs.  i think they're darned cute, but I believe they eat plant roots etc...so now how can I use that compost in the gardens?

So...is composting your hobby?

AFAIK, they eat fallen wood - hence their British name, woodlice.

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Why don't you try Vermicomposting instead? You can even do it indoors. You'll have some worms, but they will be well under control. And best of all, you'll get the best soil available, and pretty fast too!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermicompost

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