| Pile is wet and smells like mixture of rancid butter, vinegar and rotten eggs. | Compost needs more air, it has too much "fresh" material (too wet or too much nitrogen) | Turn the pile and add dry material such as wood shavings, wood chips, or dry leaves. If pile is very wet provide drainage. If the odor must be stopped fast don't turn it. Bury it in soil or finished compost for a few months and start, another pile. |
| Pile is not breaking down | Pile is dry Pile is damp and sweet-smelling | Turn pile and add water until the pile is moist Add higher-nitrogen materials like green grass clippings or manure |
| Pile is not warm enough or is warm only deep in the center of the pile (it should heat up to over 130 Fahrenheit) | Pile is to small | Incorporate materials into a bigger pile or put them into a container |
| Pile contains insects and larvae | Meat,other animal products, and food have been added | Minimize pests burying food materials deep in the pile and keep the temperature of the pile high and it should have the dampness of a wrung-out sponge Any other insect in your pile is probably a harmless compositor. |
| Fire Ants | Pile is dry | Turn it and add water A low-toxicity bait formulation can be used near but not in the pile |
Compost?
What is Compost?
Why Compost?
Materials To Avoid
Best Ever Compost Recipe!!
Directions
How Does Composting Work?
What Can I Do with My Compost?
Source: TNRCC Environmental Tips That Help You Take Care of Texas. Let It Rot! Compost
TNRCC Environmental Bulletin, Mulching and Compost
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, Backyard Composting Wastes to Resources