[USCC] Fire ants and compost blankets

Mon Oct 16 08:42:11 CDT 2006

Craig, 
As I mentioned before, fire ants are also drawn to areas where
application of mulch 3-4 inches deep helps retain moist soil conditions.
But, the ants do not immigrate, but are nearby colonies that relocate to
the more suitable locations.  I see this in my yard and at our facility
where we apply compost and mulch around small trees.  I am not sure that
ants wouldn't be drawn from other locations to the site, but existing
colonies may be able to expand.  I just don't know for sure.  

Dave Schellinger   

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at composter.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at composter.com] On Behalf Of Craig Coker
Sent: Saturday, October 14, 2006 3:31 AM
To: 'US Composting Council Compost Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [USCC] Fire ants and compost blankets

U.S. COMPOSTING COUNCIL 15th ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND TRADESHOW Wyndham
Orlando Resort | Orlando, FL | January 21-24, 2007 The National forum
for those involved in the development and expansion of the composting
and organics recycling industry CONFERENCE PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS,
WORKSHOP AGENDAS, EXHIBITOR INFORMATION AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ARE AVAILABLE AT THE USCC WEBSITE: www.compostingcouncil.org OR CALL THE
USCC AT 631-737-4931 

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

_______________________________________________
Compost maillist  -  Compost at composter.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council.

_______________________________________________

Ongoing Sponsors of the USCC Discussion list are:

Food Industry Environmental Network (FIEN), a regulatory and policy
e-mail alert service for environmental, food and agricultural industry
professionals.
Contact Jack Cooper 301/384-8287 JLC at fien.com --- www.fien.com

Renewable Carbon Management, LLC with the containerized, in-vessel
NaturTech Composting System www.composter.com rcm at composter.com

(c) Copyright 2006 United States  - All rights reserved

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses will have
their posting privelages suspended.  No exceptions!

Opinions expressed represent only the poster and are not necessarily the
opinion or policy of any organization.

Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through our
website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm     For
discussion list policies and information regarding subscribing,
unsubscribing, digest or other options, go
to:http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

For additional help in unsubscribing or to report bugs and problems,
send a message to the List Manager, Jim McNelly, at
compost-owner at composter.com 