Compost heap

[flirty41]

My friend has discovered an ants' nest in her compost heap. What would be the best way to get rid of the nest, without ruining the compost? Any ideas anyone? Thanks.

[answerbok]

some help here. http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/DisplayAnswers.go?q
uestion_id=29882&category_id=18&index=10

[Cetti]

Hi flirty - It seems that ants actually improve compost.

A dry compost heap can become an ant heap but no harm will be done. The ants will redistribute all the material, so the heap will not need to be tossed. It may help to water the pile and add moisture-rich ingredients. The day before using ant-infested compost, water it well and the ants will leave.

[flirty41]

Thanks to both of you. 'bok - that link didn't come up when I submitted my Q! Very useful info though. Cetti - I shall tell my friend not to worry! We were only saying the other day what use were ants in the scheme of things - now we know! Do you know how she gets rid of ants in the house? She feeds them yeast and honey, and waits for them to explode - yuk!!! :-)

[Cetti]

Sounds almost like a Mead induced death - what a waste of a good drink! Interesting friends you have, flirty :-D

[anthomson]

forget ants ... when I opened the top of my compost bin I saw 5 little mice faces looking up at me. Apparently its quite popular for mice to nest in compost heaps - but how do you get them to move on ?

[flirty41]

Awwwww, ant - how cute! Five little mickies, bless! I've no idea how to move them on, though. Sorry! Got a cat? :-)