while some consider soldier fly larva to be "beneficial", if the material isn't toooo wet with lots of food waste exposed on the surface, flies shouldn't be a noticeable problem - good idea w/ an outdoor bin to keep a good mulch layer of damp bedding material [paper, grass clippings, cardboard] on the surface so the bin doesn't dry out and to keep feedstock hidden so as to avoid fruit flies and compost flies

Bill

Thanks Bill,
I have some grass clippings and some newspaper on top of the side I feed (I have the bin split - one side is being finished off and one side is the side I put the foodstock). Will too much grass heat up the bin? Shall I put a layer of grass etc. on the side I am having the worms "finish off" also?
:)
Thanks,
Tina

the grass won't heat up if it's not piled on thick when it's fresh and wet - just 'fluff' it a bit at first so it keeps air circulation and add more as the first starts breaking down a bit - and yes I'd keep the whole thing covered, which will keep the temp and moisture levels more stable

Bill

teenee, I've never had a problem with flies in my outdoor bins. But, like Bill, I keep the feed covered with soil and/or leaves, and cover the bin with cardboard.

I've read that maggots are good for the bin, in that they break down the fibrous matter. Makes it easier for the worms to eat it then. But, I really don't like maggots...lol. I'd much rather have sow bugs do that job for the worms, so I encourage their presence in my outdoor bins.