The Different Types Of Living Bugs in Your Compost: Beneficial or Not?

Various Bugs In Compost: Harmful Or Helpful?

By the force of its nature, Composting attracts Bugs. Hence, such a normal occurrence can conclude in many possible outcomes. You will discover the different kinds of living bugs that can alter the composting process at the end of this article. Having said that. Let’s move forward! Catering bugs out of your compost pile shouldn’t be your top priority. Some bugs are essential in decomposing carbon source materials.

Furthermore, one must be able to identify the difference between harmful and helpful bugs to fully understand the roles given in every organism living on your compost pile. Not all bugs share the same role in composting process, some contribute, and some don’t. So keep in mind that not all bugs should be eradicated because some are meant to be protected.

7 Types Of Bugs In Your Compost

1. Isopods

Isopods, also known as Pillbugs, are grey armored creatures crawling at the upper section of your composting area. These little crustaceans devour the toughest carbon source material in your compost pile. They are mostly considered decomposition friendly but can also hurt growing plants if left overpopulated.

2. Bees

Unlike in Pollination, Bees aren’t major contributors to plant fertilization. They’re something you wouldn’t want in your compost pile. Organic materials attract Bees and will cause a delay in the progress of your composting growth.

3. Ants

Substances within your compost pile attract Ants. They feed on almost everything (sweets, fungi, insects, etc.) except for carbon source materials. Ants are well-known scavenger who lives in dry places. Having them within your compost field signifies less moisture. So moisten your bedding to ruin their colony and have them find elsewhere to live. Mostly, Ants aren’t considered real threats in your compost field but rather useful in many ways. They bring essential minerals like Phosphorus and Potassium in the vicinity of your compost boundary.

4. Creepy Crawlers

Ferocious predators also exist in your bin. They can be dangerous not just to your friendly worms and other beneficial organisms but also to you. Removal of these Bugs must come with great caution to prevent any further casualties.

5. Rove Beetles

The most common beetles found in a compost bin are Rove Beetles. They have elongated bodies with short wings, which makes them more of an active runner than a flyer. Rove beetles might not sting, but they can still give you a painful bite, so stay cautious around them. These beetles prey on harmful insects found in your compost pile, which labels them as essential organisms in the decomposition process.

6. Centipedes

Natural-born predators that can have a maximum of 177 pairs of legs (adult size) are known to be some of the creepiest creatures on your lawn. Centipedes didn’t have those legs just for an exhibit; they’re fast at crawling and digging to predate beneficial organisms at your compost pile. The stingers behind their head have enough poison to paralyze essential earthworms before consuming. It is best to eradicate Centipedes to prevent essential organisms from falling out and reduce the acceleration of the composting progress.

7. Spiders

Eight-legged arachnids meant to predate every organism to trespass its habitat isn’t essential to your compost field. In the same category as Centipedes, Spiders will devour every beneficial organism above your compost pile.

Getting Rid of Harmful Bugs in Compost

Tired of the inconvenience brought by the bugs to your lawn? Worry no more as Team Go-Compost offers you the best solution!

• Temperature in Check

Keep the temperature of your compost pile between 50 to 70 degrees Celsius. Thus, this temperature range is ideal for healthy compost breakdown as well as pest avoidance since bugs will not be able to nest or reproduce under this type of circumstances. Also, the procedure should generate heat naturally.

• Oxygen

Oxygen is a natural gas that circulates within the air. Indeed, it is with certain the need of almost every organism to survive. But oxygen doesn’t just help most organisms; it is also a significant factor in getting rid of bugs in your compost.

To integrate oxygen into your compost pile, mix it once a week using a pitchfork (this method also kills bug nests in the process). Additionally, as you continue mixing, add fresh organic materials in the middle. Hence, you may keep the raw materials safe from insects by planting them.

• Adding Layers Of Organic Materials

Bugs on your lawn exist for a reason. Flies, cockroaches, and other bugs are attracted to the organic fertilizers and rotten fruits/vegetables in your compost field. Those are essential materials needed for the natural development of your compost, so removing them is not an option.

To end up eliminating bugs without actually removing those essential materials, all you have to do is bury the rotten fruits/vegetables deep into your compost and cover it with layers of organic materials.

Conclusion

Bugs are essential contributors to the ecosystem that turns your waste into valuable organic products. With proper knowledge regarding their existence, Bugs can become one of your best working associates in developing your organic compost.

What kind of bugs are typically present in your compost? Leave a comment below and share your ideas!