As it started to spit with rain this evening, I suddenly remembered that I had planned to take out the almost finished compost from the bottom of the bin and transfer it to the finishing off bin. I’d like to have as much compost as possible to add to the raised bed this autumn and the dalek needs more space, even though what I added the other day is thankfully reducing in volume.
Of course, the heavens then opened, so instead of getting a sprinkling of rain on my jacket, within minutes I was drenched. To add to my discomfort, the compost bin had a large population of ants, a phenomenon I’ve not noticed before. My guess is it must be an anthill in there.
In any case, I ended up with ants climbing up the sleeves of my jacket and then up the inside, where they started biting my arms. Notwithstanding, I ploughed on, determined to get the job done.
There wasn’t as much compost as I’d hoped but I could have got none. At least there is enough to dress the soil before planting the garlic in a few months. Then as I was putting the tools away and locking up the shed, the rain stopped.
Growing out of chaos 
Oh, poor you! I can’t bear ants walking on me and think you very noble to have carried on working with them biting you! And to have been soaked to the skin as well!
Thank you, Clare!
😊
We could do with some of that rain 🙂
Hopefully you will get some 😊
Oh, no! I noticed a few tiny anthills here too and wondered what brings them out and when.
I noticed ants when I first moved here and got some ant deterrent, which worked. Perhaps I need to look into the pros and cons of ants in the garden before I take any action this time. And over time the situation may correct itself. Anyway, I hope the ants haven’t been a bother to you, Cynthia.
I try to avoid them.
Good plan!