Often label as a " uncollectible son " in the worldly concern of worm due to an unsatiable appetency for all things wood ( including your household ) , termites can make for an crucial character in helping give rise fertile compost for your garden . sympathise the potential benefits and risk of exposure of having termite in your compost give you require information to help make significant compost direction determination .
The Facts
termite are insect that can contribute to compost decomposition by physically breaking down wood materials in your compost pile or bin . Together with other strong-arm decomposers , such as earthworms , sow germ , ant and centipedes , termites break large pieces of constituent matter in your compost into smaller firearm that the million of decomposing microorganisms can consume . The ruined humus material produced as a result of this intricate decomposition process is a nutrient - robust ground amendment you may expend to enrich your garden grunge .
Size
Your chance of give termites in your compost deviate depending upon the amount of woody stuff used . For instance , if you construct a compost pile using just idle leaves and fresh supergrass clipping , you should n’t see any termites as you turn and aerate the pile . However , if your compost deal consists of a lot of waste wood , previous boards and Natalie Wood chips , you may quickly find your compost agglomerate become home to a group of termites eager to consume the Sir Henry Wood mathematical product .
Time Frame
white ant typically do n’t show up in your compost until the putrefaction physical process is well underway , normally about two or three workweek after you put wood - based materials in your compost pile . Barbara Pleasant , co - author of " The Complete Compost Gardening Guide , " tell that you should avoid using wood chipping that have been exposed on the flat coat in another location for three weeks or longer . termite may have already discovered them and you execute the risk of exposure of acquaint them to your compost pile — and maybe even your home — by add them home .
Identification
If you discover termite in your compost , do n’t panic . consort to Phillip W. Hadlington , co - author of " Termites and Borers : A Homeowner ’s Guide to Detection and Control , " sure species of termites that inhabit compost piles — such as dampwood termites — do n’t attack the dry , veteran wood commonly used for construction houses . Contact your county Cooperative Extension office to see about having an agentive role add up out to serve name the termite metal money in your compost .
Prevention/Solution
If termites are a potential trouble in your biotic community , keep off using Sir Henry Joseph Wood - establish materials in your compost pile . Consider construct your compost bin from non - wood material , such as chicken wire supported by a framework of brand T - posts . If you have a regular supply of wood materials — such as wood chips — that you require to compost , place your compost off from your buildings to minimize the chances of pull in white ant to your home but do so at your own danger ; Phillip Hadlington states that a nest of termite can go up to 50 megabyte in search of woody textile to eat . Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension suggests that you consider chemically cover the grime around the perimeter of your house to derogate your chances of developing an infestation .
