How to Control Ants in a Compost Pile

Ants play a role in the composting process. They feed on the matter in the pile, including other insects and help to move materials around, which makes the compost pile richer in potassium and phosphorus. Although they serve a purpose, a compost pile overrun with ants is not desirable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Manure

1. Mix the compost pile and bury the food materials. Exposed food will attract and encourage the ants. If the pile is dry, it is one indication that the pile is not mixed sufficiently and the soil should be turned. The compost pile should be moist, but not wet or soggy. It should be turned every few weeks.

2. Keep the compost pile hot. Ants and other insects prefer a cool pile. One way to keep the pile warm is to cover it with plastic.

3. Cover the compost pile with 2 inches of manure or carbon material. Carbon matter includes dried leaves, bark, sawdust, coffee filters, egg shells, peat moss and wood ash. This will help make the compost healthy, improve its smell and discourage ants.

Tips & Warnings

• Check wood chips or woody materials before adding them to the pile. Rotting woody material can be the source of carpenter ants, which you may be adding to a pile.
• Do not spray your compost pile with pesticides.

Resources

• Tertiary Consumers
• Composting Basics
• Home Composting
• Home Compost