[USCC] Fire ants and compost blankets

[Craig Coker]

David, Matt & Bob:

 

Thanks for your responses to my query.  In my review of the literature, I
find nearly unanimous opinion that fire ants are drawn to compost piles due
to the warmth, particularly if they are too dry.  However, this application
is for a finished, mature compost blanket (2" depth).  So, would the
presence of organic matter draw the ants, or allow/encourage colonies to
expand? 

 

I can see how biosolids compost might be repellent to them (as it is to some
humans..lol); the application is for a yard waste compost, so perhaps
whatever inhibitory compounds are in biosolids compost might not be present
in yard waste compost.

 

I wonder if this idea could be pilot-tested somehow? I'd hate to see my
client spread a blanket over a 260-acre closed out landfill, just to see the
Invasion of The Fire Ants begin.

 

Craig

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at composter.com [mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com]
On Behalf Of Rynk, Robert F
Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 12:48 PM
To: US Composting Council Compost Discussion List
Subject: Re: [USCC] Fire ants and compost blankets

 

 

I remember reading a claim, in some long-forgotten article at some

unremembered time, that BIOSOLIDS compost had a repelling effect on fire

ants.  It was anecdotal information I am sure. We discourage people from

considering all compost to have the same qualities and effects on soils

and plants. Maybe we should think that the same holds true for the

effect of compost on fire ants as well. Perhaps, biosolids compost has

one effect, green waste compost another, dairy manure composts yet

another. -- Bob Rynk 

 

 

 

Robert Rynk

SUNY, Cobleskill

122 Curtis-Mott Hall

Cobleskill, NY  12043

 

518-255-5691

rynkrf at cobleskill.edu

 

-----Original Message-----

From: compost-bounces at composter.com

[mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com] On Behalf Of Matthew Cotton

Sent: Friday, October 13, 2006 12:04 PM

To: US Composting Council Compost Discussion List

Subject: Re: [USCC] Fire ants and compost blankets

 

Craig -

 

I did a quick search on the California Department of Food and

Agriculture web site

(http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pdep/rifa/html/english/facts/

biology_environment.html) which has an extensive site devoted to Red

Imported Fire Ant (and some scary pictures) and while there is nothing

directly related to compost blankets, the little bit that is there:

 

"Compost Piles, Mulched Flower Beds, Pavement Cracks, etc.

Red Imported Fire Ants invade compost piles and mulched flower beds

seeking warmth and moisture. "

 

Would seem to support David's comments.

 

Matthew Cotton

Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC

19375 Lake City Road

Nevada City, CA  95959

(530) 265-4560

Fax (530) 265-4547

mattcotton at mindspring.com