Chichester Yacht Club Magazine September 2018 | Page 32

ashore. Secondly, 12 volts does not
draw very much, so is not a big expense.
Effectively it is a computer fan.
2.) It is difficult to get information about
all aspects of these Composting Heads,
but the problem that has to be addressed
fast is fly control. If you think about it,
often when we buy compost there are
tiny fruit flies in the compost. There is the
potential for a similar problem. For me
the key was not to let the problem occur
in the first place.
With that in mind, I did as much research
as I could, and I have to say there was
not much that I could find that was
constructive. However, one of the blogs
from “The Boat Galley” took up the
recommendation of one of the
manufacturers to use Gnatrol.
Carolyn Shearlock, now mixes a
tablespoon of Gnatrol with the coir mix,
and has found that she does not have a
fly issue anymore. Gnatrol is a BTI
Larvicide- Bacillus Thuringiensis
Israelensis Pest Control.
Ok, that deals with the liquids - what
about the solid matter?
1.) When outside of the costal waters
restriction zone, you can simply empty the
solids over the side.
2.) Bag and dispose of in ordinary waste.
3.) Bag and retain for three months
minimum. Add water to aid decomposition,
and leave a “vent” for air. After three months
minimum, the solids will be suitable for use
as compost for ornamental plants (rather
than food production).
What are the negatives?
1.) Some people get very concerned about
the 12 volt fan that has to be on the whole
time. First it is not a disaster if it does not
run while cruising, or if there is a power cut
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This small organism is a bacterium that
affects the stomach lining of mosquitoes,
black flies, and fungus gnats rather than that
of caterpillars or worms. The larvae of these
insects eat the BTI and it kills them before
they have a chance to hatch into flying
pests.
This is a targeted bacterium in that it only
affects those three species of insects. It has
no effect on humans, pets, wildlife, or even
plants. For that reason it provides an
organic solution to the Composting Heads
potentially worst issue.
We have not had a fly issue, and so I cannot
say whether this is as a result of the Gnatrol
used, or whether we have just been lucky.