Attact of the compost

Barbara Model (bmodel@emerald.tufts.edu)
Mon, 2 Sep 1996 13:34:40 -0400 (EDT)

On Saturday, I went to add another veggie-scrap-filled brown paper bag to
my compost heap. The usual procedure is to lift the top layer of weeds,
toss on the bag and leave. On Saturday I decided--having negleted the
heap all summer--to turn it over. Pitchfork in hand I stabbed the quiet
heap. I made two turns before it struck back. A bee stung me in the
neck and another was at my leg before I recognized that I should
leave--soon. I ran across my yard, and got into the house with bees in
close pursuit. As I watched from my window they swarmed their distrupted
home. Reeling, I'm sure, as was I from a sense of shock over the
unanticipated assault.

Does anyone have any suggestions on getting rid of the bees? I am an
organic gardener and don't want to dump anything toxic on my compost heap.
Do I just wait until the cold weather to turn the heap?

Thanks for reading,

BH