[MrsR]

Is there any way of reducing them or are they just part of the deal and I have to put up with them - its like running the gauntlet evey time I take the top off to put something in and I'm dreading turning it all!

[WG.]

Turning it might actually help get the heat up to drive them off.   You can also keep the surface covered with wet carpet or even polythene which will cut their numbers.

If you use polythene, you'll have to water from time to time

[MrsR]

Thanks I'll turn it tomrrow and we have some spare carpet off cuts in the garage whick I'll put on it tomrrow

[noshed]

Bung some green stuff on top and some newspaper then cover it up and it should heat up enough to get rid of the flies (I have done this - the fruit I get from work seems to attract the most flies.)
If this doesn't work give it a good turn over - hard work but it will go off like a rocket and you will have lovely compost.

[MrsR]

Thanks