Flies on the compost heap

NextSteps

My compost heap is doing lovely except that it's full of small flies (like fruit flies), which means taking the lid off is pretty disgusting. It's a small garden and so the problem's hard to ignore.

Any ideas? Does anyone have a fly-free compost heap, and if so how did you do it??

Sonnenblumen

It looks unsightly but nothing to be concerned about. Frequently one sees very large ant colonies in compost bins and the male (small) and females (larger) flying types congregate at top of heap prior to relocating.

Some people are scred by the sight of thousands of such 'flies', a simple dousing of ant powder will bring matters to a conclusion. Alternatively remove lid to vent heap and this will nudge the squatters on and/or allow the natural predators gain access.

On tghe scale of things flies are not as bad as mice but that said, it ain't too difficult to restore order.

luckat

I'd be cautious about putting insecticide on the heap, as you want the microherd - the friendly soil bacteria - to thrive.

Are you layering the heap nicely - putting in greens, then browns, then greens?

If you aren't, try putting a good layer of earth on top of the heap, and you may find that the flies cease to be a problem.

luckat

Incidentally, found this link while looking for flea traps and anti-flea nematodes (not sure if the latter are legal, though):

http://www.biconet.com/flies.html

Successful Bio-Balanced Fly Control involves three important elements:

1. Manure and sanitation management

2. Biological control to combat the developing larvae with

* Beneficial Nematodes

and pupal stages of the fly with

* Fly Parasites.
• Treatment Schedules
• Suggested Starting Dates
• Prescription Calculator

3. Control of adult flies using traps

<snip>