Do you ever feel guilty breakind down the compost pile?

[HamdenRice]

I did yesterday, and I think it was one of the most biologically active ones I've ever had. There were thousands of little bugs (they look kind of like tiny horseshoe crabs) plus centipedes and very large white grubs (pupae of some insect, no doubt). Surprisingly few earthworms this year.

I felt like I was disturbing hundreds of tunnels, nests, passage ways and eating patterns. But I guess I have to do what I have to do, to get to the good stuff for the garden.

[roody]

1. Surely they will relocate.

[Arkansas Granny]

2. Is this your little horshoe crab looking critter?

They are called sow bugs or pill bugs. You can find some good info on them here.

http://www.gardensalive.com/article.asp?ai=821&bhcd2=1240841147

[HamdenRice]

3. That looks like it! Thanks

There were thousands and thousands of them. I'd never seen so many even though I've been composting for years.

That was a great article too. I was about to panic when I read all the questions about them destroying plants, until the answer "they mostly live on decayed plant material," and they are important in composting. That pretty much decides it -- that's what I saw and I guess they are harmless.

Problem is, I'm about to sift the compost and put the usable stuff in garbage bags, and the rest back as starter for the spring summer pile, so I guess the little guys are going to have a lot less to eat.