The wrong sort of visitors

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. Millions of tiny bugs (most of which we cannot see without a magnifying glass) munch the things we put into our compost bins for energy.

Our compost becomes an amazing ecosystem, providing food and habitat for a huge range of creatures that not only eat the compost but also each other. So, seeing many tiny creatures and other signs of life such as fungi, proves that nature has taken control and is doing all the hard work for you. However, some creatures are less welcome than others.

Flies

Flies are generally attracted to any easy-to-eat food and compost bins and heaps are no exception. The most common flies are tiny fruit flies, and as their name suggests they are attracted by the smell of very ripe, rotting fruit. They are just another part of the compost bin ecosystem, but when there are large numbers of them it can be a bit unpleasant when you lift the lid, so try the following suggestions to keep the numbers down:

• Always cover food scraps straight away with a layer of scrunched up paper or cardboard.
• Leave the lid slightly open and the fruit flies will then come and go without you noticing.
• Bigger blue bottles are only attracted to meat – so don’t put any in

Furry creatures

Compost bins are nice, warm places to live in and offer a possible source of food. The vast majority of people NEVER have any problems with mice or rats in their compost, but if you are concerned about the possibility they will move into your heap, there are a number of things you can do:

• Rats and mice don’t like people and don’t like to be exposed, so if possible move your compost heap or bin about one meter away from any walls, fences or hedges. 
• Visit your bin or heap regularly to give it a prod – this will cause enough disturbances to make them move on.
• Cover any open areas with wire mesh that has small holes. If you have a plastic bin just cover the base; if you have an open heap line the back and sides.
• Do not add meat, dairy, fish and fried foods, as these are a particular treat for mice and rats.
• Sprinkling cayenne pepper liberally around the bottom or your compost heap or bin should help to deter them.