Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - March 09, 2012
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Select Region
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Pests
Title: Ants in the compost pile from Georgetown TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Can you give me any suggestions for ridding my compost pile of ants?ANSWER:
Here is an article on Composting that answers that and several other questions. From personal experience we would say that, first, make sure you are not putting in any sugary food scraps that might be attracting them. We used potato peelings, coffee grounds, lettuce scraps (no dressing) and other items for nitrogen, but no greasy or sweet items. Our other suggestion is to get your pile as hot as you can, and the suggestion in the above article about keeping the pile wet and turning it will certainly discourage the ants. The article also mentions that they can be beneficial, bringing in fungi that encourage decomposition. Water, heat and decomposition will get you more good compost faster.
More Pests Questions
Mealy bugs on plants in Washington, DC
July 07, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
There is this white stuff, looking like snow flakes, that is attacking my office plants. I use gasduster to blow it off of them, but that does not stop it from reappearing. Wh...
view the full question and answer
Protection of Mountain Laurel from Pyralid or Genista moth caterpillars
May 28, 2006 - I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. Every year it is attacked by caterpillars. They form a bag for lack of a better word on the ends of the branches destroying the blooms for the following year. PLEASE...
view the full question and answer
Mosquito-deterring plants for shady hillside
July 05, 2011 - We have a part to full shaded hill side/ native woodland area that was once covered with english ivy..we managed to get rid of all the ivy but now we are overtaken with violets..maybe they are even na...
view the full question and answer
How to keep persimmons from staining patio
August 10, 2008 - We have approximately 4 female persimmons bearing fruit around our back patio. Birds are carrying the berries to our patio and eating them which leaves a dark stain on our patio. I'm having to go o...
view the full question and answer
Oak tree with browning leaves in Brenham TX
August 16, 2011 - I have a large oak tree in my small back yard. I also have a sprinkler so the tree has been receiving some water. Nevertheless, some of the leaves are turning brown in patches. Would drip watering ...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
