I have a nice-looking compost pile, but I have noticed white grub-looking bugs in it. Is this normal for compost piles? I know that worms are very important to the decomposition of a compost pile, are the grubs there to help the worms along?
I have not turned the pile this year, and the bin does not have proper ventilation. The sides are completely closed instead of slatted so that it can get ventilation. I have been meaning to re-do the bin, but it is just so darn hot this time of year. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?
Are they grubs or maggots (fly larva)? Sometimes when my pile has fruit on top, flies will lay eggs that grow into maggots and be noticable on top. It just helps with the breakdown of the fruit, as will aeration of the pile. It may not be the best way to get the job done, but will work none-the-less. I'd suggest that you get an aerated bin when you get time to accelerate the composting. By the way, not turning the compost is known as cold-composting--it takes less work and while slower, the results are the same.
I also have a compost pile in a plastic tub made for composting. It has plenty of ventilation. But I have never noticed any grubs in the compost when I turn it so I don't know if ventilation will deter grubs. Any white grubs I see in my lawn I know they will be turning into Japanese beetles.
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