Compost bin powder against maggots: this is how it works

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Home editorial office
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Table of contents

  • Biobin powder - what is that?
  • How does the powder work?
  • rock flour
  • kieselguhr
  • slaked lime
  • microorganisms
  • Alternatives to deadly pesticides

Nobody likes maggots in the compost bin. Nevertheless, with a probability bordering on certainty, they will always come to light. With organic waste bin powder, however, you can effectively avoid visitors.

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Biobin powder - what is that?

High-quality powders for the compost bin do not require any chemicals, such as deadly pesticides. Instead, the basis of all substrates is an individual mixture of the following components:

  • rock flour
  • kieselguhr
  • slaked lime
  • microorganisms

How does the powder work?

In order to understand the effect of organic waste bin powder, let's take a look at the function of the individual components:

rock flour

Finely ground rock has an extremely high surface area on which it binds moisture. Its main task is therefore the absorption and binding of moisture escaping from the organic waste.

kieselguhr

This substance is made from the fossil remains of calcareous mussel shells, the "Gur" as part of a burning process. In addition to the binding of moisture through an extremely high surface area of ​​the microcrystalline substance, its biocidal effect is particularly valued in the compost bin. Due to its intensive drying effect, kieselguhr is used against bacteria and other germs. In addition, due to its sharp-edged particles, it is able to kill the larvae even after the substance has been consumed by intensively injuring the digestive tract.

slaked lime

Calcium hydroxide is formed by "slaking" burnt lime with water. The resulting slaked lime is able to bind large amounts of moisture. In this reaction, it develops a highly caustic effect due to its high alkalinity. It has the task of a disinfectant against putrefactive bacteria and other microorganisms in organic waste.

microorganisms

On the one hand, the microorganisms in the organic waste are killed, on the other hand, tiny creatures are added again.

How does that fit together?

The added microorganisms do not feed on the biomass of the kitchen waste, but use its undesirable decomposition products, which attract flies. The task of the microorganisms is therefore primarily to reduce the pungent smell. This serves as the main attractant for all the types of flies that lead to unwanted maggot infestation by laying their eggs.

All these functions are aimed at creating an environment that is as unattractive as possible for flies, so that other places for laying eggs are preferred.

Maggots in the garbage can

Alternatives to deadly pesticides

In addition to ready-made compost bin powders, you also have the option of using some equally effective home remedies against maggots.
First and foremost are the individual components of the powder in their pure form. Rock dust, siliceous material and slaked lime are freely available as a pure substance and can of course also be distributed with the organic waste.

DANGER:

Pure slaked lime can cause injuries to skin and eyes due to its highly caustic effect. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles when using it!

In addition, other substances available in every household can also be used wonderfully to keep maggots away:

vinegar water

Spray on all inner surfaces of the compost bin and allow to dry - drives away flies and caterpillars with a strong acidic smell

Essential Oils (lavender oil / tea tree oil)

Lay a soaked cloth around the edge of the bin and clamp it with the lid – scents keep flies away

pepper

Scatter over each layer of biowaste - expels maggots from the biomass

Tip:

Home remedies are usually less effective than real organic bin powder. You should therefore use home remedies, especially for smaller barrel sizes. The more organic waste you have, the more likely it is to use the professionally mixed powder right from the start.

author Home editorial office

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