Help for new organic gardener!

[Riverotter]

I have two problems:
1) I have ants in my compost pile, and since I've seen them, i've seen fewer worms. How can I get rid of the ants while not harming the worms?
2) I have some bright orange bugs and some other bigger similar bugs that are gray and look like stink bugs that have recently infested my cherry and roma tomato plants. I sprayed them with an brand of soap spray, but it did nothing. What can I do?

[redbrick]

I can give an answer for #2, but you probably won't like it. Get a jar of soapy water and start hand picking those stinkbugs! That's the only solution I know of, I'm sorry to say.

[lovetogarden]

Disturbing their home by turning the compost pile may help. Or pour hot water over them.
Also, ants(exception-fire ants) just visting your pile is really not that bad. Many types of insects will come check out your pile as it is decomposing. They are helping to break down organic matter, so unless they are biting you, I would not worry about it too much. As soon as the compost is ready, most insects will leave.

[johno]

Depending on how hot the compost gets, the worms may leave on their own. It could be a coincidence with the ants.