Hi all

Post 2 today!
Lifting the lid on our compost bin results in a massive cloud of small white
flies engulfing the innocent.
Anyone know what they are and how to reduce the numbers without killing
whatever it is that causes the composting process?

TIA

Phil

Fruit flies
These are tiny white or brown flies no more than 2mm in length. They will be
present in large numbers and can appear as a cloud when the compost bin lid
is removed.

Anybody who puts fruit and vegetable wastes into their bin will encounter
these files at some point during the summer. They are totally harmless and
are part of the composting process because they feed on the fruit acids
contained in the material.

To remove them, simply cover the top layer of fruit or vegetable wastes with
a thin layer of soil or compost and they should disappear within a couple of
days.


--

Baal

I smile and go off waving
(Amiably) - for that's my way

http://www.helden.org.uk
"scullsterhome" wrote in message
. uk...
Hi all

Post 2 today!
Lifting the lid on our compost bin results in a massive cloud of small
white flies engulfing the innocent.
Anyone know what they are and how to reduce the numbers without killing
whatever it is that causes the composting process?

TIA

Phil




** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

On Sun, 1 Jun 2008 08:57:11 +0100, "Baal" wrote:

Fruit flies
These are tiny white or brown flies no more than 2mm in length. They will be
present in large numbers and can appear as a cloud when the compost bin lid
is removed.

Anybody who puts fruit and vegetable wastes into their bin will encounter
these files at some point during the summer. They are totally harmless and
are part of the composting process because they feed on the fruit acids
contained in the material.

To remove them, simply cover the top layer of fruit or vegetable wastes with
a thin layer of soil or compost and they should disappear within a couple of
days.

Or grass cuttings. Or leave the lid off and watch the birds go in for
some snacks.
--
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Ah fetch it yourself if you can't wait for delivery
http://www.freedeliveryuk.co.uk
http://www.holidayunder100.co.uk

Thanks urglers

I'll try both and see what happens

Phil