Compost bin - bumblebees

[Danascully2]

I have a black plastic compost bin which probably doesn't have the ideal mix of stuff in it - quite a lot of kitchen roll/tissues and probably not enough green stuff. Anyway, I have noticed lots of bees flying near it and today I looked closer and saw them flying into the bottom of it. They have white tails and are fluffy so I think they're bumblebees. When I lifted the top off there are ants living in the top of it too! I'm happy to provide a habitat for bees (less keen on the ants!) But not sure whether they will now be living there all year round or only for the summer? I haven't tried opening the door at the bottom as I didn't want to disturb them but it would be nice to do this at some point. So have I accidentally created a beehive or are they just there temporarily? Also, I have a second empty compost bin - any top tips for using this as an actual compost bin rather than a wildlife habitat?? Thank you!

My bee knowledge is a little rusty and you will need to check what type you have (my guess is tree due to the location) but if I remember rightly they only use the nest for one year. Mine came back to the rough area but not the same nest. They are truly fascinating to watch, and won’t be there for much longer. on a hot day they will all fan the nest by flapping their wings and the buzzing is phenomenal.
Enjoy your new temporary housemates.

As for the ants, surely they are helping make some nice compost for you? Although watch out for the nippers when you get it out!

I had them take over my bin a couple of years ago and they were only there for one summer. They were quite small and black with red backsides.

Hmm, I hadn't considered that the ants might be helping... I guess they probably are breaking things down. If it ever stops raining at a time I'm free I will have to spend a bit of time watching the bees.

The ants will be there because it's too dry. As you says there's too much tissues and brown stuff and it needs more green. Or give it a good soaking. Ants are good but worms are better. Not sure about the bees

Ahh too dry makes sense. I suspect the bees like it dry too. I will let the bees do their thing over the summer and then try to keep it wetter.