I shredded some wood and added the chips to my compost pile. It is cold compost, mostly kitchen scraps and a lot of coffee grounds and some leafs. It is very wet and I thought it would be a good idea to turn the chips into it.
As expected, it was very wet and smelled a bit rank. Lots of earthworms, though.
About two hours later I came past it and noticed a dozen of strange yellow flies that I had never seen before. Lens indicated they are yellow dungflies, which checks out with photos online.
So, am I in trouble for those flies to confuse my compost for a pile of shit?
by theonehaihappen
2 Comments
The flies are not a problem. But it sounds like your pile needs more browns, try ripping up some cardboard and adding it until the compost is no longer wet. Should help with the smell too.
Nah, you’re good. Yellow dungflies are actually a good sign, they’re attracted to the smell you mentioned (anaerobic decomposition), but they mainly eat other fly larvae. They’re basically free pest control. Just add more brown and you’re good to go.