Role of compost fauna
Your compost, whether in a bin or in a pile, accommodates all visible and invisible fauna which includes micro-organisms, larvae, insects, worms, rodents, slowwormsetc..
The presence of this fauna is entirely legitimate, even essential to the health and effectiveness of your compostand you should definitely not try to chase it away, even if some of these little creatures may, at first glance, seem annoying to you, whether because you are afraid of them or because they disgust you.
If they are necessary for your compost and a guarantee of its good health, it is because by feeding on the organic matter found there, they will contribute to their transformation into a humus rich in minerals. Without them, there will be no transformation of your organic waste!
The invisible fauna of compost
This fauna participates in the first stage of the transformation of organic matter. These are a host of microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, protozoa, etc., which attack the cells of fresh, moist organic matter to extract sugar. This causes the mass to heat up and the water evaporates under the effect of the heat. The volume of waste begins to decrease.
Small animals visible
By stirring the waste in your composter, you can observe many small creatures which are very useful there.
Earthworms
On the one hand, red worms, from the Eisenia family, feed on waste and promote its decompositionand, for their part, the common earthworms aerate the earth by digging underground galleries which will be borrowed by other insects in the compost. A certain type of composter, called a worm composter, primarily houses worms. It can be used when you do not have an outdoor space, such as a garden, to install a composter.
Centipede
Centipedes like to hide in composts away from light. They also promote the decomposition process by digging tunnels in which they run to hide and by breaking up organic waste. In the compost, Their favorite food is wood, which they like to nibble on.thus accelerating its decomposition, but also dead leaves, fruits, etc.
Slugs or snails
They only pass through your compost to come delight in rotting foodsuch as salad leaves, etc. Once satisfied, they go back to their activities, but you can see them in the corners of your composter or on the compost, or you can spot the drooling traces that they have left on their passage.
Woodlice
If, in your compost, you spot animals with yellow and brown, or gray and transparent, shells, they are woodlice. They belong to the crustacean family and feed, preferably, rotting wood. If you have branches in your compost, you will be able to observe them.
Ear clips
Also called earwigs, they are often found in compost because the females lay their eggs in damp places rich in plant debris. If we tend to fear this insect because of its common name, you should know that it does not pierce or pinch the ears.
Beetles
Beetles like beetles, rove beetles, etc. are often found in compost where they like to lay eggs. Some consume plant waste, they are detritivores.
Springtails
If you have very good eyes or a magnifying glass, you will be able to observe this colorless or whitish insect measuring barely more than 1 to 2 millimeters. Their presence is a sign of good health of your compost. You may think they are flying, but no, they are wingless and, in fact, they jump.
The larvae
Your compost may be the nest of larvae, such as cetoine larvae, large white larvae, or soldier fly larvae, species of cocoons ranging in color from brown to black. These larvae promote accelerated decomposition.
Rodents
Your compost may also be home to mice, voles, field mice, shrews, etc., which are attracted to warmth and the presence of food. They are far from being appreciated by everyone, but, when it comes to your compost, they also have their role to play by mixing it, without forgetting that they can eat away the toughest organic waste. Technically, their presence is not problematic.
The slowworms
Yes, they also enjoy nesting in compost. Although they may be feared by some because of their resemblance to snakes, they are not! These are actually legless lizards, which are very useful in the garden since they feed on many invertebrates. Furthermore, we must keep in mind thatThey are absolutely not dangerous or venomous.
Hedgehogs
We have seen the unloved ones in the bin or the compost heap, but there are other animals that are appreciated. Among these, the hedgehog! It is attracted by the warmth of the compost and by the insects or worms that it provides at will. When stirring your compost pile, be careful not to hurt one!
Why so much life in the composter?
If we create a closed or open composting space to recycle certain waste, it also provides an ideal refuge for many animals. By contributing to the transformation of compost, they will be able to feed there and enjoy the heat it gives off. Herbivores will be able to consume kitchen waste and carnivores will feed on invertebrates present in the compost to regulate their presence.
Thus, your compost pile is the source of a real ecosystem that will self-regulate. Each animal is legitimate and makes its contribution.