Compost bin – Gnats

Q: We put peelings, coffee grounds, egg shells, etc. in our enclosed compost bin. There are a whole lot of gnats in it that swarm up when I open the top. Are these gnats OK?

A: Various gnats and flies are attracted to vegetable peelings because they typically contain lots of protein and sugars. The insects don’t hurt the composting process. In fact, they help it along by introducing fungi which consume the other things you have piled up. If the fruit flies bother you, keep a small shovel by the pile and bury kitchen waste under the tree leaves and grass clippings.