Roaches in Your Compost: Pest or Partner?

Finding roaches in a compost pile is unsettling, but they're actually part of the natural decomposition process. These insects break down large organic particles into smaller pieces that fungi and bacteria can then process more efficiently.

If you'd rather not host them, a simple bait station system works well. Cut the ends off several soup cans, place a plastic roach bait station (available at hardware stores) inside each, and lay the cans on their sides near the pile. Roaches will find the bait and their population will decline without disrupting the composting process.