I've got lots of bugs in my compost pile. I know that most of them are good guys and are hard at work decomposing...but, can I use my compost while the bugs are there?

Sure, if it's done.

Compost is ready to use if it is dark (not necessarily black), crumbly, and pleasant smelling.


You should use your oldest compost in the soil, mixed in if possible.
You can use your youngest compost as a mulch or side dressing.

Beneficial organisms are essential in compost for soil building, conditioning, fertilization, and disease control.

When compost is really finished cooking, it should not have any bugs in it that you can see. I'd let it continue to decompose. The final decision on whether it's finished is how it smells. When it smells like a forest floor after a rainstorm, it's ready.