Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharmore  Hi all,
Not sure i am posting in the right forum but i'm sure one of you will let me know if i am wrong 
I started composting a few backs and have been religiously adding everything i possibly can. I noticed the flies getting worse each week but thought nothing of it as i figured this was part of the composting process.
Today i went to add more stuff but can barely get near it for little brown/orange looking flies. I'm not squeamish but trying to open the lid with them flying out at me if certainly off putting. They are all over the outside too.
Is this normal? Is there anything i can add to help with the smell and deter the little bllighters?
Any replies will be much appreciated
Thanks
ShazM  |
ShazM this is a typical problem with closed bin systems. There is nothing unnatural going on and in some resects the nutrient value of the final product of these 'wet' systems are higher. However as you've found it is pretty unpalatable.
The 'brown flies' are fuit flies and their larvae are a useful part of the decomposition process however by manging your system differently you shoud be able to reduce their numbers. As a 'quick fix' to your current problem add garden lime at a rateof two or three hand fulls once per week for a month or two which will change the chemistry and reduce the smells. For longer term management please see:
Composting 101
CM