[tgg]

How do I keep rats out of my compost pile?

I want to grow the healthiest fruits and vegetables that I can, using only natural fertilizer.

[GPI]

Hello tgg.
Firstly, have a look at this Irish Gardeners article on garden rats http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=235

Then use some or all of the following tips to deter rats from your compost area...

1/ Any composting materials that fall onto the ground around the compost heap should be picked up.

2/ A rat is more likely to enter a compost bin in the garden if incorrect materials have been composted. Never compost meat, fish, bones or other cooked foods, also do not add dairy products such as milk or yogurts.Don't give the rat a food source as well as a shelter.

3/ Top up and fork over your compost regularly, as rats do not like to be disturbed. Try positioning your compost heap where it gets regularly walked by, this will continually disturb the vermin.

4/ Place the compost bin or heap in an open area. Rats hate the exposure of travelling across an open piece of ground Rats don’t like to cross open spaces as it makes them more visable to predetors.

5/ A plastic compost heap which you buy in, can often have a lid you can strap, clamp on screw on, this will help prevent rat access. A homemade compost heap can be covered with a sheet of plywood and weighted heavily, this may cause a slight slowing of the composting process, but you can't have everything.

6/ All access gaps into the composting unit a half inch or larger should be covered with galvanised metal mesh. The best mesh is the one with very small gaps, so use builders diamond mesh which is often used in plastering jobs and to to strengthen concrete.

This can be pegged to the soil beneath the bin or heap to prevent rat entry but still allow worms to enter and provide drainage and aeration. On a compost heap created from old pallets, you must tack this mesh to the insides of the heap walls also.

7/ Remember, where rats are around, it is a good idea to wear gloves when handling your compost and soil.
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[BlackBird]

Lavender and catmint are known to deter rats. Try planting them around the compost heap. A ring of steel.

[verge]

Member Inishindie has posted an interesting article on rats and compost heaps here....... RATS

[Lizard]

That's interesting.. what you said about rats and open space. Well done for not suggesting rat poison. I have two very cute pet rats at home, and when I let them out for a run on the bathroom floor, they always end up hiding behind the toilet - this used to puzzle me.. but now I know thanks!