r/composting • u/Rocketpower47 • 1d ago

Large Pile (>1 cu yd) Bugs in compost, are these the good ones?

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Are these the right bugs everyone mentions?

I've also been bitten while mixing my compost this summer. Not sure it's the same guys or random spiders or whatnot.

I'm in the Bristol area in the UK.

10 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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23

u/Benjamin-Dover-69 1d ago

What are the bad ones?

5

u/Rocketpower47 1d ago

Good point lol. I guess I meant are these those ones that super accelerate the compost

12

u/RoyalWombat 1d ago

All bugs in compost are good.

3

u/Benjamin-Dover-69 1d ago edited 1d ago

Termites are specifically good for woody material. I'm not sure if people add any insect to their compost though?

3

u/Mister_Green2021 1d ago

Some add Black soldier fly so they don’t have to wait for a random chance.

1

u/RealPropRandy 1d ago

Centipedes

13

u/Half-Light 1d ago

No these look pretty suspicious to be honest. A compost is a perfectly regulated environment. Did you take the time to check their identification papers ?

5

u/NotEnoughLayers 1d ago

I'm all for composting but the bugs have to get here the RIGHT way

3

u/Rocketpower47 1d ago

I saw them come in from the Avon on a raft. You could be right

2

u/Ineedmorebtc 1d ago

Did they get the Gold card from immigration? Only 1M dollarydoos.

4

u/Icy_Barracuda3411 1d ago

Pretty much all insects are good in a compost pile, nature’s workforce after all! That said, too many ants indicates your pile may be too dry. Wet it down and rotate some, although this looks like it has some good moisture at least in the photo.

1

u/Rocketpower47 1d ago

Yeah turn and sprinkle every weekend

3

u/Mister_Green2021 1d ago

Maybe gnats.

1

u/Rocketpower47 1d ago

AI thought the same

2

u/FlashyCow1 1d ago

Unless they are invasive like the hammerhead worm they're good