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Wed, Aug 3, 11 at 13:58
| Help! I have an earwig infestation in my compost pile! This is my first try at backyard composting and it was going well until last week when I turned the pile and hundreds of earwigs started to fall out of the container by the slots on the side. At first I thought I had ants when I saw movement in the composter. I haven't gone near it since. Is there anything that I should be doing or not doing? Any help would be greatly appreciated! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| They're part of the composting crew. If you want to compost, you'll gain new friends! |
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| Understanding the environment that allows earwigs, pill bugs, slugs, etc. to live and grow in population can help control them. Earwigs, like the others, live primarily on decaying organic matter, such as compost, although they are also reported to be predators of some garden pests suce as Aphids. Earwigs, like the others, need a cool, moist environment to live and grow, like that a compost pile could potentially provide if it is too wet and the bacteria do not work hard enough to generate the heat they will when working in a properly construced compost pile. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Earwigs
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| I prefer earwigs to snakes, that is what was in mine. |
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| I have a compost bin close to the house that I used last winter. When It was full I just closed it off and I plan to use the compost next fall when it's finished (I hope). Being lazy, I left it alone, but about a month ago I opened the bin to see how it was doing. The level had gone down nicely but there were a few clumps of paper on top that I felt should be turned over (my idea of turning a pile). I picked up one clump and there was the cutest little baby snake only a few inches long curled up and staring at me with horror. I carefully covered the baby and closed the bin again. The next time I open it I'll let the cover stand open a while to give any snakes warning that a monster is coming to mess up their refuge. Claire, who doesn't mind snakes so long as they keep their distance. |
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| Aargh, I meant to post this in the snake thread. Claire |
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| I keep a couple chickens in the backyard of my city lot. Any infestation turns into a tasty and nutritious meal for the girls. |
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