Compost bin + rats

irishecomom

Does anyone have any problems with their compost bin attracting rats? I really wanted to get one but an exterminator said to stay away from them because all they do is attract rodents.

Yi Harr

You should only use the composting bins for garden/green waste. If you're composting food you should look into getting a wormery or a bokashi.

irishecomom

Would I be better off building my own wormery or buying one? But confused as to how to get about it!

Yi Harr

Am sure it would be possible to make one but for convienience I would probably buy one from a shop. Have a look at:

http://www.ecoshop.ie (seems to be down at the mo)

http://www.wormery.ie/

http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/

They're very easy to manage once they are up and running, they do smell a bit when opened though. Aside from getting rid of your food waste they'll also provide you with really good plant feed (in solid and liquid form).

You should check with your County Council too just in case they provide them. Could be cheaper then buying from one of the shops.

doctor evil

Never put meat/fish in the compost, that is what will attract rats.

With the rest you may get mice so obviously don't have it near the house. If you have mice its a sign you don't have rats.

You can get smaller composters that you can turn on a handle. You could just break it up with a pitchfork, this will help break things down faster and the disturbance could stop something from nesting.

If you have a cat or dog you can puts their hairs into the compost as well as the contents of the hoover.

Pete M.

Once they're used properly, they're fine.
Have had one for years and have never seen a rat near it.
Though I do have 3 cats and 2 dogs.....

Not a great salesman there though your exterminator friend. If they were that bad, surely he'd be going around promoting them, to help the business like.

10-10-20

Hmmm - EcoShop is gone... http://www.ecoshop.ie
WE REGRET THAT OUR SHOP AND ONLINE STORE
ARE NO LONGER TRADING.