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[papay]

I’m always afraid of rats coming the compost container. It’s located near our kitchen having no choice given the size of the garden. Any way to bar rats?

[Carol]

Hi papay, by saying container, does it mean you have a plastic composter?

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“You got to be a gardener to appreciate dirty and muddy hands.”

[Fatzo]

Sometimes you can fence the area with thick wire.

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Loving the season!

[luis_pr]

There are some things you can do to reduce rat/mouse issues in the upcoming cold months: do not put meat, dairy or potatoes there; do not let the compost get dry but do not over-water either; use a solid-sided container to make it difficult for the critters to get in; use a narrow-gauge wire mesh at the bottom and, if you’re composting kitchen waste, a robust and heavy lid; aerate regularly.

Some of these rodents do not like the smell of leftover onions, mint or alliums and see if this might also help. You can also upgrade your bird feeders and put humane traps.

The best location would be somewhere in the open. If you can place it somewhere that rats will be exposed when traveling to and from, they will be vulnerable to predators and slightly less likely to go there.

Any solution will require applying several of these suggestions or others.

[papay]

@carol yes it’s a plastic composter

@fatzo thanks

@luis_pr you’ve got a handful of very practical recommendations! Thanks a lot! Will follow two or three and will start from not putting items that attract them!

[Author]

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