small flies in my compost

[Dr jameson]

my compost is rotting down quite nicely, but it is swarming with life ants, flies etc is this normal? and is it ok to use? many thanks

[alan refail]

Morning Doc and welcome to the forum.

The flies are probably fruit flies attracted by fruit and vegetable waste - annoying but not a problem. As for the ants, they are not really a problem in the long run; the heap may be too dry. Ants are not fond of damp so if you make sure the compost is wetter they will soon migrate.

[Monika]

Our compost bins are always full of these tiny flies but the moment the weather turns cold, they disappear. They have certainly never done any harm.

[Dr jameson]

cheers guys i'll try and keep my compost a little wetter now.