Compost Piles & Mosquitoes

Rich, crumbly compost shouldn't attract mosquitoes.

Rich, crumbly compost shouldn't attract mosquitoes.

Creating your own compost pile prevents useful scraps from entering landfills and saves you money on soil amendment products. But a poorly managed compost pile may encourage pest infestations. Mosquitoes, in particular, have the potential to carry diseases and can be attracted to your pile. It's important you know whether you have mosquitoes or harmless flies in your compost pile.

Compost Pile Attraction

Taking up to two years to fully decompose, a compost pile is a mixture of yard clippings, kitchen scraps and wood products. Bacteria and other microorganisms slowly consume the organic material until it looks like crumbly soil -- its nutrient-rich texture feeds your garden for lush fruits and flowers. Along with organic material, you need to add water to the pile. If you add too much water, the pile becomes too wet and attracts mosquitoes. It is important to continually turn your pile to encourage rapid decomposition and evaporation -- a damp pile does not usually attract flying insects.

Mosquito Characteristics

Mosquitoes look for standing water to breed and lay their eggs -- a neglected and wet compost pile easily holds small puddles of water ripe with eggs and larvae. Water is not the only attraction for mosquitoes at the compost site. Mosquitoes rely on plant sugars, like nectar, for sustenance. As a result, any exposed plant material that is not mixed into the pile may be a food source, such as deadheaded blossoms. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not drink blood for energy -- blood is merely a protein source for egg production in females.

Mistaken Identity

If you have a swarm of insects surrounding your compost, they're probably not mosquitoes because mosquitoes do not fly in groups. Several fly species, such as crane flies, look like mosquitoes, but do not have the same blood-sucking needs. Crane flies, in particular, are attracted to compost piles because they prefer decomposing plant matter as a food source. They may leave their larvae in your nearby soil or pile itself so they have a constant food source to grow into mature adults.

Insect Control

To avoid any flying insect infestations within or around your pile, add fresh materials to the compost and immediately move them into the center of the pile. The fresh matter decomposes faster with this strategy and is out of sight from hungry pests. Keep raw meats, like fish or poultry, out of the compost pile, as well as any animal fats. For the best containment, place your compost pile into a drum or garbage can with a firm lid. As a result, mosquitoes cannot get near the pile and it is easier to turn the compost for faster decomposition.

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