Welcome , fellow composters ! Today we ’re pass away to talk about a problem that a lot of composters have : how to keep rats and mice out of your compost bin .
Do n’t worry — we have some helpful advice to keep those galling gnawer aside .
As an avid gardener and composter , I ’ve had my middling share of experiences with unexpected guest in the compost bin – mice ! While startling at first , I ’ve learned strategies to admonish mice from take up residence while keeping my compost good for you Here ’s my guide to dealing with mouse in the compost bin
Why Mice Love Compost Bins
There are a few key reasons mouse are draw to compost bins :
Warmth – The heating plant generated from molder materials makes compost bins an tempting affectionate spot for mouse in colder calendar month
food for thought – computer mouse are drawn to the spread of kitchen refuse and garden wastefulness check in compost bins .
Shelter – The enclosed environment of compost bins provides safety and privacy for mouse to nest and breed
Understanding these motivation makes it exonerated why mice may view your compost as prime literal estate !
Signs of Mice Invasion
observe the front of shiner early is primal to dissolve the military issue promptly . Be on the lookout for these common sign of mice in the compost :
Acting at the first signs of mouse will prevent big infestations down the billet .
Impacts of Mice on Your Compost
While a few transient mouse may not cause too much trouble , a larger infestation can negatively impact your compost in these means :
fetch mouse under mastery is significant for healthy , pathogen - free compost .
Deterring Mice from Compost Bins
Now that we have it away why mice come in compost bins and the potential consequence , here are gratuity to deter them humanely :
Use rodent - trial impression compost bins with tight - fitting lids , small possible action , and interlock screens at bottom .
keep off adding meat , fish , grease , oils or dairy which can attract mice . Stick to plant - based food .
Turn and stir compost weekly to disrupt nest and speed decomposition .
Introduce predators like hound or cats around the compost from time to time . Their scent facilitate deter mice .
practice strong - smelling herbs and spices like cayenne , chili powder , mint or ail around the bin perimeter .
produce physical barrier like wire mesh under the bin or gravel moats around the base to stymie launching .
absent other nearby food sources and nesting land site like fallen fruit or piles of debris mouse could utilise .
implement natural repellents like predator urine around the bin . Check labeling for preferred and human safety .
With perseverance , these manoeuvre should encourage mice to forget your compost in lookup of easier food sources elsewhere .
Excluding Mice From Outdoor Compost Piles
outside compost piles are especially prone to field mice seeking winter recourse . Here are some tips to fortify your outdoor compost :
Choose a pile location away from woodpile , botany , and exterior wall that mouse could use for cover .
Build the pile on a pavement groundwork or lay ironware textile / wire mesh under the pile .
Use a pallet bin or other social structure with tougher barrier not easily manducate through . deflect wanton passel .
instal charge plate or metal sheeting around bottom 12 - 18 inches of piles to thwart dig .
Move piles to a cheery daub aside from exterior walls or fence . Mice do n’t care being out in the open air .
Cover megabucks with weather - resistant blankets or tarp at dark when mouse are active .
With a combination of containment and natural deterrents , you’re able to successfully exclude mouse from out-of-door compost as well .
When Mice Won’t Leave – It’s Time to Remove Them
Sometimes despite good prophylactic efforts , mice take up hall and wo n’t willingly pass on . At this head , removal tactics are require :
alive hole – Effective and humanistic , release mice at least 5 miles away to prevent restoration .
Snap traps – promptly bump off mice but employ carefully around pet . Place under cover boards .
Bucket drowning trap – Submerge standard 5 gallon pail 2/3rd full of piddle with Allium tricoccum .
Glue boards – Inhumane and not recommended .
Poisons – risky to other wildlife , not propose .
Eliminating nests , entry full point , food sources and dramatize hindrance should make removal traps scant - term solutions when deal with stubborn mice .
Preventing Mice Returns
shiner are resourceful and excellent climbing iron . Be vigilant even after move out them to prevent resort infestations :
seal off up any opening wider than 1/4 in around lids or screens .
Use metallic element meshing around bin bases and other entry points to block access code , burying edges if potential .
Continue using strong smells , marauder and natural repellents around margin .
ofttimes empty and turn compost to cut off nesting website .
move out exterior hiding spots like ivy , woodpile and vegetation near bin .
hold in traps or decoy stations on a regular basis until sure all shiner are leave off .
With consignment to exclusion and deterrence , your compost can remain mouse - free .
Understanding Rats and Mice:
The blackleg and Mice That Get Inside Your Compost Bin Before we get into how to keep rat and mouse out of your compost bin , have ’s take a instant to speak about why they care your compost raft . These trivial rodents are drawn to compost bins for a few grounds :
