How to Start Composting (Even If You Hate Bugs).

Composting is one of the easiest ways to cut down on food waste, nourish your garden, and do a little good for the planet. But if the thought of creepy crawlies and decomposing scraps makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone. The good news? Composting doesn’t have to mean a bug-infested, smelly mess in your backyard. With the right setup and a few tricks, you can compost cleanly, efficiently, and—yes—even without feeling like you’re starring in a bug horror movie.

Why Bother Composting?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty (pun intended), let’s talk about why composting is worth it:
✅ Cuts down on kitchen waste – Less food waste in landfills means less methane gas polluting our air.
✅ Creates free fertilizer – Your plants will love the nutrient-rich compost you make.
✅ Saves money – You’ll spend less on store-bought soil and fertilizers.
✅ Eco-friendly – It’s an easy way to be a little greener without much effort.

And best of all—you don’t have to touch a single bug if you do it right!

Step 1: Choose a Bug-Minimizing Composting Method

If you hate bugs, an open backyard compost pile probably isn’t your style. Instead, opt for one of these low-bug composting methods:

1. Sealed Compost Bins (Best for Outdoors)

A closed compost bin keeps pests out while still breaking down food scraps. Look for a bin with a lid, aeration holes, and a tumbling feature for easy mixing. These work great for backyard composting without attracting flies or rodents.

2. Indoor Composting with a Bokashi Bin

Bokashi composting is an odor-free, pest-free method that uses beneficial microbes to break down food scraps in an airtight container. No bugs, no smell—just quick composting right under your sink.

3. Electric Composters

For the ultimate hands-off method, electric composters like Lomi or Vitamix FoodCycler break down food waste into compost within hours—no bugs, no waiting, and no outdoor space needed.

Step 2: Know What to Compost (and What to Avoid)

To keep your compost fresh and bug-free, follow these yes/no lists:

✅ Compost These:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Coffee grounds & tea bags
• Eggshells
• Grass clippings & leaves
• Shredded paper & cardboard

🚫 Avoid These (Bug Magnets!):

• Meat, dairy, and oily foods
• Cooked food scraps
• Pet waste
• Anything moldy or rotten

Stick to the good stuff, and you’ll keep your compost smelling fresh and bug-free.

Step 3: Keep It Clean and Odor-Free

The biggest mistake people make when composting? Letting it get too wet or too smelly. That’s when bugs come looking for a feast. Here’s how to keep things fresh:

🌱 Balance Your Greens & Browns – For every handful of food scraps (“greens”), add twice as much dry material like leaves or shredded newspaper (“browns”). This keeps things from getting slimy and stinky.

🌀 Aerate Your Compost – If you’re using an outdoor bin, stir or tumble it every few days to speed up decomposition and prevent flies from laying eggs.

🚫 Bury Food Scraps Under Dry Material – Always cover fresh scraps with a layer of leaves or shredded paper to prevent fruit flies.

Step 4: Harvest and Use Your Compost

After a few months (or faster with an electric composter), your compost will look like rich, dark soil. Here’s how to use it:

🌿 Mix it into garden beds – Perfect for growing veggies and flowers.
🪴 Use it in potted plants – A little compost keeps houseplants happy.
🌱 Top-dress your lawn – Spread a thin layer over your grass for a natural fertilizer boost.

And just like that, you’ve turned food scraps into garden gold—without a single bug nightmare.

Final Tips for Bug-Free Composting

• Freeze food scraps until you’re ready to compost them (no smells, no bugs).
• Keep a compost container in the fridge if you’re composting indoors.
• Always keep your bin covered to block out flies and critters.
• Rinse your compost bin regularly to prevent odors.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Composting doesn’t have to be messy, smelly, or overrun with bugs. With a little planning, you can compost cleanly and effortlessly—even if you’ve been avoiding it for years.

To make things even easier, I’ve put together a free Composting Cheat Sheet with quick tips on what to compost, what to avoid, and how to keep your bin bug-free. Download it below and keep it handy as you start your composting journey!