8 Composting Critters You Might Find in Your HOTBIN
Even in a hot composter like the HOTBIN, various critters play helpful roles in breaking down food and garden waste. From worms to woodlice, these creatures aid decomposition and improve compost quality. Here’s a quick guide to 8 common compost critters and what they do.
Why Critters Matter in Compost
- Help break down organic waste
- Support microbial activity and airflow
- Indicate overall compost health
Meet the Compost Helpers
1. Worms – Nature’s Recyclers
Brandling worms are efficient composters, often found in the cooler base of the HOTBIN. They produce nutrient-rich castings and help mature your compost. If you see them near the lid, it could be too hot inside.
Tip: When adding compost to your garden, worms will keep working in the soil!
2. Ants – Telltale Sign It’s Too Dry
Ants aerate compost but usually show up when it’s too dry. Stir the material and add moist "greens" like food scraps or grass clippings to restore balance.
3. Woodlice – Quiet Decomposers
Woodlice thrive in moist environments and help by feeding on decaying matter, speeding up the composting process.
4. Slugs – Surprisingly Helpful
While some slugs are garden pests, others (like the great black slug) help break down waste early in the composting cycle. A slug invasion may indicate excess moisture—add "browns" like cardboard to absorb it.
5. Millipedes vs. Centipedes
Millipedes slowly munch through plant waste, aiding decomposition and aeration. Centipedes hunt other compost critters but are part of a healthy ecosystem. Both love moist conditions, so check moisture levels if they’re abundant.
6. Spiders – Natural Pest Control
Spiders aren’t composters, but they help control flies and mites. Their presence usually means your compost is full of life (and snacks for them).
7. Flies & Maggots – Balance Is Key
Flies lay eggs in moist scraps, leading to maggots. They aid decomposition, but large numbers suggest too much moisture.
To manage them: mix new waste in well, cover food scraps, and add paper to absorb wetness.
8. Fruit Flies – The Annoying Ones
Drawn to overripe fruit, fruit flies don’t help or harm compost much—but they can be a nuisance.
Reduce fruit flies by mixing fruit waste well, keeping containers lids closed, and topping with paper or cardboard.
FAQs
Are bugs bad for composting?
Not at all! Most are beneficial and help break down waste.
Why are there so many insects in my HOTBIN?
It could signal a moisture imbalance—adjust with more dry or wet material as needed.
How do I stop flies and fruit flies?
Mix waste in well and avoid exposed fruit scraps.
My HOTBIN has lots of worms—has it stopped working?
Nope! Worms are great for composting, especially in the cooler base of the bin.
Ready to meet your compost’s hidden helpers?
Make a big impact on your composting goals with a HOTBIN — now on sale right here on our website... and start composting smarter, faster, and cleaner today.
My HOTBIN has lots of worms—has it stopped working?
Nope! Worms are great for composting, especially in the cooler base of the bin.
Ready to meet your compost’s hidden helpers?
Make a big impact on your composting goals with a HOTBIN — now on sale right here on our website... and start composting smarter, faster, and cleaner today.