Rats in the compost?
Here is the background music you should play while reading this post.
No, we are not having rats in the compost, but it’s a problem we were kicking around today. If your composting system is built and maintained properly, there is no real reason you should have to share your pile with rodents.
What can people do if they are experiencing rat problems in their compost?
- Properly manage your pile:Rats might look on your compost pile as an ideal nesting spot, especially if it’s dry and undisturbed. So keeping your pile moist and regularly turned will make it less attractive.
- Bury food:Rats may also be looking for food in your pile, so if you bury it, and make it harder for them to reach, they will probably look for other food sources.
- Enclose your pile:An open compost pile can be inviting, simply because it is so accessible. Consider building an enclosed bin especially for yummy kitchen waste like fruit peelings and using your open pile for not as yummy grass clippings and other yard waste.
- No meat, greasy or dairy products:Rats love such treats. They shouldn’t be composted in a backyard bin anyway, not only will they make your pile smell, but they carry pathogens that could hurt you.
Suggestions for Bins:
- Keep a lid on the compost, and securely fasten it
- If rats are burrowing under your bin, stand it on some ¼ inch strong wire mesh.
- If rats have gnawed into a plastic bin, try reinforcing all sides plus top and bottom with ¼ inch strong wire mesh.
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