Ants in compost bin

My compost bin had been left untouched for a while and when I finally went to sort it out found it was a mound of seething ants. Being a lady of a delicate constitution it freaked me out somewhat!!! I threw in lots of ant powder and slammed on the lid. A while later and with some trepidation I peeked in and all seemed quiet and still. My dilemma is what to do now. Is it still compost that I can spread on the garden, or will it have become an ant nest full of dead ants? In that case how do I dispose of it? Could someone help please.

Oh dear Lilly - we'll have to toughen you up a bit   The ants probably adopted your compost bin because it was nice and dry in there and they thought they'd be undisturbed  Just turning the compost and damping it down a bit would probably have made them move out - but they're not doing any harm in there anyway.  They were probably keeping it aerated which helps the composting process.

Anyway, what to do for now?  Is the compost made - is it crumbly and lovely and ready to spread on your garden? If so, then mix it all about and use it as you'd intended to.

 If it's not yet composted, then mix it all about and continue adding composting materials as normal.  Turn it regularly and occasionally add a little of Bob Flowerdew's highly recommended recycled beer/cider .... or if that's not available recycled Chardonnay will do 

Thanks for the advice Dove fromabove. I've just had a look at it and given it a good prod with the fork. I thought it would be a nest but appears to be quite hard packed half cooked compost. I've not been keeping it damp enough as you suggest, so will follow your advice and hopefully the ants won't come back.