Every composter knows that rats can be a major problem when it comes to composting. Rats can easily contaminate your compost pile with their droppings and can also chew through the bin to get to the food inside.
But fortunately, there are several ways to keep rats out of your compost pile and protect your composting efforts. So, read on for all you need to know about keeping those pesky rats away from your compost pile!
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Secure Your Area
Be sure to secure the perimeter of your compost area. To further deter rats, enclose your compost pile with wire mesh or hardware cloth. Be sure to bury the fencing at least one foot underground to prevent rats from burrowing underneath.
Additionally, choose the right location for your compost pile. Rats are attracted to areas with high moisture levels, so avoid placing your compost near sources of water such as gutters, downspouts, or sprinklers. Instead, opt for a drier location such as a gravel bed or dry soil.
Never Add Meat
Rats are attracted to compost piles because of the food scraps that are often added to them. If you don’t want rats making an extra effort to get into your compost, it’s important to not add any meat or other animal products to the mix. This includes things like bones, dairy, and even fat. If you do, you risk inviting more rats to the mix.
Covering Your Compost
One of the best things you can do is cover your compost with a lid. This will help to keep the smells contained and will also make it more difficult for rats to access the compost. You can also try placing your compost pile in a rat-proof container, such as a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid.
This will help keep rats out and also help to retain heat, which is necessary for the composting process.
Rat Traps
If you have a rat problem in your area, consider using a rat trap baited with cheese or other food items. These traps can be an effective way to catch and remove rats from your property.
Rat traps are designed to catch and kill them; they are very effective, and will definitely keep your compost safe from these pests.
Inspect Your Compost Regularly
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, rats may still find their way into your compost pile. Periodically check for signs of rat activity, such as fresh droppings or chewed-up food scraps. If you spot any evidence of rats, take action immediately to remove them before they have a chance to cause any more damage.
Call In An Exterminator
Pest control companies have the experience and knowledge to get rid of rats quickly and effectively.
If you’re dealing with a rat problem in your compost pile, don’t hesitate to call a pest control company. They’ll be able to help you get rid of the rats and keep them from coming back.
Why You Don’t Want Rats Anywhere Near Your Compost
When it comes to your compost, you don’t want just any old critter getting in there and mucking things up – you want healthy, helpful critters like worms and beetles. But one creature you definitely don’t want anywhere near your compost is the rat.
Rats may seem cute and cuddly, but they can actually be quite dangerous, especially when it comes to your health. Here’s why:
They Spread Disease
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Rats are known to carry a variety of diseases that can be passed on to humans, including rabies, hantavirus, typhus, and salmonella. And since rats love nothing more than rummaging through garbage (including compost bins), there’s a good chance they could contaminate your compost with these diseases.
They Eat Your Food
If you’re composting food scraps, you don’t want rats getting in there and eating them all before the worms and other critters have a chance to do their job. If these pests reach your compost their robbing it of all those nutrients.
Rats are also known to carry fleas, which could infest your home if they manage to get into your house through the compost bin.
They’re Just Plain Gross
Rats are dirty creatures, and their droppings can contaminate your compost (and anything else they come into contact with). If you see rats near your compost bin, it’s best to keep your distance and call pest control. Trust us – you don’t want them anywhere near your food!
Don’t Be Fooled
Rats can be a big nuisance when it comes to composting, but with a few simple tricks, you can keep them away from your pile and maintain a rat-free compost bin. Have you had any issues with rats and your compost pile? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media pages! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family – they may find it helpful too!
