Mosquitoes can be a problem around compost piles.
Composting is a natural process that creates organic fertilizer. The process requires a specific range of heat and humidity, as well as a specific ratio for organic material. Failing to obtain these specifics can create a breeding ground for rodents, mosquitoes and related pests. Mosquitoes can carry blood-borne diseases such as the West Nile virus. Does this Spark an idea?
Composting
Compost is decomposed organic material. The material is made of plant waste, food waste and animal waste. The process of decomposition is called composting. To gain optimal efficiency in composting you need high temperatures and humidity within the core, or center, of the compost pile.
Mosquito Relatives
Mosquitoes are not the only flying pests that inhabit inefficient compost piles. There are many pests that are relatives to the mosquito that can also find room to grow in a compost environment. Midges and gnats are the two most common type of pest mistaken for mosquitoes. The largest difference between mosquitoes and related pests is that mosquitoes do not swarm whereas gnats and midges do.
Heat and Moisture
Heat and humidity are both important to the composting process. Unfortunately these two factors can also yield favorable conditions for mosquito eggs to hatch. Temperatures at the center of the pile must be within a range between 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity will exist as temperatures rise causing condensation. Avoid moisture buildup because this attracts mold, pests and insects that lay eggs in the compost. Mosquitoes are one of the pest insects whose eggs can thrive in these conditions.
Compost Maturity
Compost piles have a time period needed to cycle through the process. The cycle for composting can take as little as 60 days although the optimal range is between 90 and 120 days after the process first starts. During this time you must be vigilant in maintaining the compost by turning the pile daily. This will help keep the environment clean of mosquito eggs. The eggs will not have enough constant heat and moisture to hatch.
Controls
High moisture and heat attracts rodents and pests such as mosquitoes. Reducing moisture levels too far slows down the composting process. To control the moisture level, use a ratio of three parts dry material to one part wet material. Improper heating can cause the core to remain too hot, killing organisms needed to aid composting while keeping the outer area too cool to decompose. To control heat turn the pile daily. This will allow fresh material into the process while moving finished compost to the outside. This helps maintain heating and air flow within the pile.
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