If you discover lots of woodlice in the compost, be happy! These are not pests, but beneficial arachnids. They play a very important role in the cycle of the rotting process. Woodlice in the compost are a sign of good garden he alth.
Why are woodlice useful in compost?
Cellar woodlice in compost are useful arachnids that break down coarse particles, release nutrients, loosen the soil and prepare the compost for fungi and bacteria. They are not pests but promote garden he alth.
That's why woodlice are so important in compost
- Crushing the coarse components
- Nutrients are released
- Soil is being loosened
- Compost is prepared for fungi and bacteria
Cellar woodlice are not insects, as is often assumed, but rather small arachnids. They only live in damp places such as the basement. They also feel comfortable in a well-layered compost heap or composter.
Cellar woodlice have an important role in composting. They decompose dead plant parts and prepare the compost for other beneficial organisms.
When the woodlice have done their job, bacteria and fungi can do their job. They ensure that the desired humus is created from the compost.
Islice live in certain layers of the compost
You can only find woodlice in the layers of the compost that still contain coarse parts such as twigs, shredded leaves and the like. There must be an evenly moist environment. If the compost becomes too dry, the woodlice retreat and die.
They tamper with the coarse components of the compost material and shred it.
The beneficial insects can also be found in moist garden soil. There they help to loosen the soil and supply it with important nutrients.
Cellar woodlice does not harm earthworms
Some, especially inexperienced, garden owners fear that the woodlice will eat the extremely useful earthworms in the compost.
Where this untrue wisdom comes from is not known. Woodlice and earthworms are both important beneficial insects in the garden.
Fighting flies in compost
Unlike woodlice, flies in compost are uninvited visitors. They settle primarily where materials that do not belong on the compost heap, such as meat and food scraps, have been stored.
Flies, unlike woodlice, are always a sign that something is wrong with the compost.
Tip
Cellar woodlice need a moist environment. If you keep your basement dry, you don't have to worry about the woodlice moving from the compost into the house.
