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Mon, Apr 25, 11 at 16:13
| I started composting in a tumbler about 8 weeks ago and have been adding about 1 part N (fruit/veggie scraps) to 2-3 parts C (leaves) and turning daily to every other day. Have only needed to add water when I first started it 8 weeks ago. Now there are a ton of fruit flies in the tumbler!! I have read other posts and people generally recommend burying your scraps to prevent flies but because I am using the tumbler I can't do this. I don't think the contents are too moist because some of the leaves actally look a bit dry (too much moisture was another suggested cause of flies). The N material is breaking down quickly, but the C seems to be taking much longer. Does anyone have any suggestions to prevent the flies? Should I even be concerned about the flies at all? Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Generally the presence of flies, fruit, fungus, house, or whichever, is an indication there is a problem because for the eggs to hatch and grow into the adult flies moisture is needed, too much moisture to be good for your compost. While some do think the presence of flies does indicate the composting process is working, the fly larva are not a good thing to have in your compost since they do eat your material and put back very little. If possible add more dry carbon type material. |
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