Comments on: Reader Questions – 06-29-08 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/ Red Wiggler Worms, European Nightcrawlers and loads of helpful Worm Composting Information Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:46:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Devin http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/comment-page-1/#comment-21765 Devin Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:49:38 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=192#comment-21765 I have a big problem with extreme soldier fly population explosions in the summer (We have 30+ days a year over 100 in Fresno) so the heat is a major catalyst. Scooping them out with a garden shovel seems to be fruitless and I spend more time trying to get rid of them than anything else pertaining to my bin. I wouldn't mind, but it has caused a fly population that is starting to annoy my neighbors. Any ideas for homemade soldier fly larvae traps? Thanks everyone! I have a big problem with extreme soldier fly population explosions in the summer (We have 30+ days a year over 100 in Fresno) so the heat is a major catalyst. Scooping them out with a garden shovel seems to be fruitless and I spend more time trying to get rid of them than anything else pertaining to my bin. I wouldn’t mind, but it has caused a fly population that is starting to annoy my neighbors. Any ideas for homemade soldier fly larvae traps? Thanks everyone!

]]> By: Bentley http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/comment-page-1/#comment-9341 Bentley Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:54:42 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=192#comment-9341 Hi Jennifer, Thanks for sharing that. Unfortunately I suspect that it would be very difficult for worm farmers who keep outdoor worm beds to control soldier fly populations - although perhaps some sort of fine mesh bed cover would do the trick? I know all about the value of using the vacuum - but for me it is fruit flies and fungus gnats that are the victims! :-) Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for sharing that.
Unfortunately I suspect that it would be very difficult for worm farmers who keep outdoor worm beds to control soldier fly populations – although perhaps some sort of fine mesh bed cover would do the trick?

I know all about the value of using the vacuum – but for me it is fruit flies and fungus gnats that are the victims!
:-)

]]> By: Jennifer S http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/comment-page-1/#comment-9328 Jennifer S Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:30:27 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=192#comment-9328 I noticed recently that I have had an explosion of Black Soldier Flies in my bins. I am 100% certain that these new ones came in along with my latest batch of worms. I think some worm farmers are just more careful about what they send to their customers. I've always had a few flies - usually typical housefly size. These new ones are like passenger jets - each at least 1/2 inch long. Right now my only control has been to vacuum them up twice each day, but I'm going to have to get a little more aggressive. They need to be relocated to the compost heap outside. I don't like it when the larvae wiggle all over the house. Ick. I noticed recently that I have had an explosion of Black Soldier Flies in my bins. I am 100% certain that these new ones came in along with my latest batch of worms. I think some worm farmers are just more careful about what they send to their customers. I’ve always had a few flies – usually typical housefly size. These new ones are like passenger jets – each at least 1/2 inch long.

Right now my only control has been to vacuum them up twice each day, but I’m going to have to get a little more aggressive. They need to be relocated to the compost heap outside. I don’t like it when the larvae wiggle all over the house. Ick.

]]> By: L.Bo Marie http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/comment-page-1/#comment-7979 L.Bo Marie Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:33:00 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=192#comment-7979 hmmm, I was just wondering about the condensation issue with my own (first) bin.. The temp doesn't increase all that much in the house during the day, but I definatly see a difference in the amount of beading water at the end of the day vs. first thing in the morning. I'm going to try moving it somewhere else in the house to see if that happens... but I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who's got some water on the lid! thanks for such a great site! hmmm, I was just wondering about the condensation issue with my own (first) bin.. The temp doesn’t increase all that much in the house during the day, but I definatly see a difference in the amount of beading water at the end of the day vs. first thing in the morning.
I’m going to try moving it somewhere else in the house to see if that happens… but I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who’s got some water on the lid!
thanks for such a great site!

]]> By: Kay http://www.redwormcomposting.com/reader-questions/reader-questions-06-29-08/comment-page-1/#comment-7812 Kay Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:16:15 +0000 http://www.redwormcomposting.com/?p=192#comment-7812 Hi Alan & B. Just want to add my 2 cents ... condensation can occur when the bin is hot (food composting, temperature increase) coupled with the bin being closed. best to pre-compost / partial compost the food. maggots, separate from the bin, add some food and keep in airy but closed container. see what it turns out to become ... :) sounds like a science experiment ... anyway, dirt floor basement ... hhhmmm things that go crawling in the night (not referring to the worms) Hi Alan & B.
Just want to add my 2 cents …
condensation can occur when the bin is hot (food composting, temperature increase) coupled with the bin being closed.
best to pre-compost / partial compost the food.

maggots, separate from the bin, add some food and keep in airy but closed container.
see what it turns out to become … :)
sounds like a science experiment …

anyway, dirt floor basement … hhhmmm things that go crawling in the night (not referring to the worms)

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