A compost pile that is kept worked and moist should not have an ant problem. Could I do with out all the compost piles I have made and continue to make, probably. If you want a lot of compost and need it in a hurry, there is no better way I know of than building and maintaining good compost piles. Mulching is good, sheet composting is good, trench composting is good, as are the dozen or so other methods. Still, in my opinion nothing replaces a compost pile for compost in a hurry. Plus, it is great exercise and I just enjoy the heck out of watching leaves and grass clippings turn in to beautiful compost.