long black bug infestation!

by Josh
(Chicago)

HELP!

these bugs are taking over my apt!

these bugs have flourished in my compost bin, other than them things are going great. I had a pillowcase around the bin to keep out fruit flies and I guess that made a haven for these fellows, I took it off 2 days ago and they made a mass exodus, they are now all over around my window and they seem to be hiding out in my potted plants, pouring out endlessly.

really, there must be a thousand of them at least, and I see them mating constantly.

they fly sometimes, not the best flyers though.

what are these!?

how do I get rid of them!?

HELP!!

Answer from Big Tex Worms
Yuck!
They are beetles of some sort. I think they are called rove beetles. They can be irradicated using diatomaceous earth. Because they have an exoskeleton, it will kill them but it will not harm your worms. You can find diatomaceous earth at any organic gardening center or feed store. Make sure it is NOT the stuff used in pools.
They are not harmful to the bin, in fact they eat the fibrous materials. But they are a nuisance when you are trying to have an indoor bin.
Good luck.
BTW, thanks for the photos, you would not believe how many people write to ask me "what is this bug" and do not give a photo.
Liz
BigTex Worms