Expert: Greg - 5/18/2007

Question
Hello,
My compost bin contains thousands of little flies which get in the house. Is there anything i can do?
Thanks,
James

Answer
Hello James

As matter Decomposes, there will be many things that visit the Compost Pile. This is a Natural occurrence.

Can you move the pile further from the house? This would be the easy solution. If not you may wish to change what you put in the pile. Turning the pile more often will speed up the Decomposition process, Heat will deter many flying critters from laying their eggs, which is what I suspect has happened here.

My next question is are you putting only the right things into the pile, you should never put Meat Scraps, Dairy products such as Cheeses, Bones, and even Lettuce with Salad Dressings into the pile. These could attract Vermin, and attract Flies, which in turn lay their eggs.

And active and working Compost Pile can reach temperatures of an amazing 180 degrees, this alone deters many insects.

I hope this helps, but if I have missed something here, don't hesitate to follow up with a more specific question.

Greg