Compost toilets, also known as dry toilets, use a combination of carbon-rich materials and aerobic decomposition to break down human waste into a nutrient-rich compost. While these toilets are a great option for reducing water usage and creating a source of fertilizer, they can attract flies, which can be a nuisance.
Here are a few steps you can take to get rid of flies in a compost toilet:
- Keep the toilet area clean: Make sure to regularly clean the toilet area, including the floor and the toilet seat. Flies are attracted to feces and other organic matter, so keeping the area clean will reduce the amount of organic matter that is available for them to lay their eggs on.
- Use a toilet cover: A toilet cover can be used to cover the waste after it is deposited in the toilet, which will help to prevent flies from laying their eggs in the waste. This cover can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic or metal.
- Add dry materials to the toilet: Dry materials, such as sawdust, wood chips, or dry leaves, can be added to the toilet after each use. These materials will absorb the moisture from the waste, making it less attractive for flies to lay their eggs.
- Use a fan to improve ventilation: Increasing the ventilation in the toilet area can help to keep the flies away by making the area less humid. A small fan can be used to circulate the air and reduce the humidity level in the toilet area.
- Use natural predators: You can also attract natural predators like birds and bats that feed on flies to your garden.
- Using a fly trap: Many commercial fly traps are available that can be used in the toilet area. These traps use a combination of bait and adhesive to trap and kill flies.
By following these steps, you can effectively reduce the number of flies in your compost toilet and make the area more pleasant to use. It’s important to keep in mind that compost toilet are not meant to be completely odorless, still it requires some proper maintenance, like frequent removal of the finished compost and also adding dry materials, monitoring the moisture level and keeping it ventilated.
