I spent some time away from the compost pile to spend more time and attention on the Worm Inn Mega in the basement. My weekly food scrap deposit went to the worms, and it hasn’t rained in week or two.
Here come the ants!
The presence of ants indicate a dry compost pile, or uncovered food deposits, or both. In my situation, I simply haven’t had rain in a while and I haven’t added any fresh material.
Ants aren’t necessarily bad for the pile though- they help break it down along with all the other critters working in there.
Keep your pile moist, and you should be good to go here. Although I recommend making the least effort, I’ve been told that turning the pile will make them leave as well… although that would require a lot of energy and end up relieving all the built up heat from inside the pile.
Either way, don’t freak out if you see ants this time of year, just thank them for telling you the compost pile needs more moisture!