My compost bin is teeming with life. That's not a good thing, is it?

[Cappuccino]

insects

little flies and woodlice

what am I doing wrong?

Sound normal to me. Worms, flies, woodlice, etc are necessary. Dozens of little fruit flies come zooming out of mine every time I open the lid. You just learn to step back quickly!

Think that is a good thing. Mne is the same. Think the more insect life, the quicker it will rot down. I may be wrong, but my compost has always been full of life and is always fine.
Had whole any colony in it last year, broke it all down nicely!

If you want to get rid of the fruit flies try putting a layer of soil over the top. Helped a bit with ours. I think the other stuff is good though.

I mean an ant colony!

We have ants, fruit flies and slugs in ours. Dp thinks it's not 'right' but I was reassured by our local composting helpline that it is a live system so just to expect these inhabitants. They did say coffee grounds could help with the slugs. But we are not big coffee drinkers and the local Starbucks don't away used coffee grounds. I think they do in other areas though.

oh

but it is making that area of the garden a bit horrid

If the little fruit bastards flies are annoying you (they get on my nerves can you tell?). Leave the lid off for a day. Then the bigger beasties can get it and eat them!! The local council compost man told me. Lots of creepy crawly life is good.

How is it making the garden horrid? Are the insects coming out of the bin? If it's got a properly fitted lid, I don't think this should happen. Ours is tucked away in a corner and you only notice the insects when you're putting something in.

Tis good. They will help to move stuff around the layers. If the flies are a problem try putting some sheets of soft carboard or paper on top of the material - too much edible stuff on it's own is the problem.

ah - edible stuff. Okay that makes sense

I will start saving cardboard

and leave the lid off

ta