Family Best Time >> Home & Garden

Gnats In The Vermicomposter? 15 Easy Tips.

Gnats In The Vermicomposter? 15 Easy Tips.

Is your vermicomposter invaded by flies and midges?

It's normal and it happens often especially when you open the lid.

Yet we have the impression of doing everything "right", the midges are still swarming...

Obviously, it's great to have a vermicomposter to recycle your waste, but we could do without flies!

Fortunately, there are simple and effective tips to prevent the proliferation of midges in the compost bin.

Here are 15 easy and effective tips for having a healthy and insect-free vermicomposter . Watch:

Gnats In The Vermicomposter? 15 Easy Tips.

Contents
  • BEFORE FLIES APPEARED
  • 1. Do not leave the lid open
  • 2. Dispose of the waste immediately
  • 3. Hide the trash
  • IF THE FLIES ARE ALREADY HERE
  • 4. Avoid moisture
  • 5. Clean the composter
  • 6. Cover the vermicomposter
  • 7. Stop littering
  • 8. Put a bottom of wine in a bottle
  • 9. Put a towel between the 2 floors
  • 10. Move the bin to the cellar
  • 11. Use black soap
  • 12. Mulch the composter
  • 13. Collect the juice
  • 14. Clean the bin
  • 15. Change the intermediate mat
  • Which vermicomposter to choose?

BEFORE THE APPEARANCE OF FLIES

It is best to anticipate the arrival of flies and act preventively. Above all, they must not be given the slightest opportunity to come and nest in the vermicomposter.

1. Do not leave the lid open

Simple but really effective tip. With a closed lid, flies will not have the opportunity to lodge and lay eggs in your vermicomposter. So remember to close the lid tightly every time!

2. Throw the waste away without delay

Do not leave your waste lying around on the work surface, the flies would have time to lay eggs on it, especially in summer. But throw them away immediately.

3. Hide the trash

Another trick to prevent the arrival of flies is to hide the waste under a bit of cardboard. Since the flies are not the queens of the treasure hunt, they will go after things that are easier to eat! And since the cardboard is biodegradable, it doesn't matter for your compost.

IF THE FLIES ARE ALREADY THERE

Too late, the flies are here! That's okay, there's still time to get rid of it with these easy tricks.

4. Avoid moisture

Humidity and heat are the winning combo for flies to oviposit. So to prevent the composter from being too wet, add paper or cardboard, or even a shovel of sawdust. It absorbs moisture and odors.

5. Clean the composter

Pass a damp sponge with a little white vinegar to eliminate the cocoons of flies. This limits their development.

6. Cover the vermicomposter

Another trick to protect the bin from flies is to cover it with a tea towel or cloth. You can even put a few drops of lavender or lemongrass in it to repel insects.

7. Stop littering

It may be good to "no longer feed" the vermicomposter for a few weeks to put the flies on a diet. Thus, they will no longer lay eggs and the swarm will fade naturally.

Gnats In The Vermicomposter? 15 Easy Tips.

8. Put a bottom of wine in a bottle

To attract gnats and fruit flies, place a bottle with an old wine bottom near the vermicomposter. They will prefer wine to your compost bin. It also works with apple cider vinegar.

9. Put a towel between the 2 floors

The idea of ​​putting a towel between the two floors is an excellent idea to limit humidity.

10. Move the bin to the cellar

You can put the container in the garden, on the terrace or in the cellar. Thus, you will no longer be inconvenienced by midges. Some condominiums even allow the vermicomposter to be placed in the courtyard of the building.

11. Use black soap

If your tub is made of wood, mix some black soap, a little water and a few drops of super lavandin. Then, brush the bin with this gooey, smelly repellent the flies will hate.

12. Mulch the composter

Another idea to remove moisture is to put some straw in the tray.

13. Collect the juice

Regularly collect the juice produced by the worms and store it in bottles. This juice serves as a weedkiller if it is pure, or as a fertilizer if it is diluted in water. Decidedly, these verses are of formidable use!

14. Clean the bin

Remember to clean the tray, lid or empty trays regularly with a jet of water and a brush. You can use vinegar water. This eliminates midge larvae and cleans the tank.

15. Change the intermediate belt

When the carpet of the last tray is damaged, remember to change it to better absorb moisture. A new carpet will also smother midge eggs and larvae.

Which vermicomposter to choose?

Gnats In The Vermicomposter? 15 Easy Tips.

If you haven't started vermicomposting yet, I'm here to help.

I've had one in my apartment in Annecy for 3 and a half years now and it's great.

Especially when there are no gnats around!

I have this vermicomposter at home (in the photo above) and I must say that it is super practical to use on a daily basis. I highly recommend it!