Rats in compost bins

Hi0)

A rat (or possibly more than one rat) has decided to take up residence in my compost bin that I am currently using. It is the first time a rat has ever took up residence

None of my other bins which are rotting away nicely have been effected, just this half filled bin (presumably because it is warm).

I don't think it has any thing to eat in there, as I only put in animal bedding, garden waste and basic kitchen waste like peelings and teabags etc.

And basically I want rid of it and don't want it back, I don't want to give my neighbours something to complain about.

Any ideas I can evict the little blighter and keep it out for good:cnfs:

 

what sort of bin is it? If its one of the plastic ones, empty the contents onto a plastic sheet or into a wheel barrow then sit the bin on chicken wire folded up a couple of inches around the base of the bin, same thing for other bins.

If the problem is in a plastic bin above, simply the disturbance will be enough to get rid as long as you do the same with the other bins.

Open pallet type bins will need a different aproach.

 

I read somewhere that if rats start using your heap as a nest its not wet enough. I got rid of mine by pouring a watering can full of water in. The rat soon legged it and I haven't seen it since

 

Thank you for your replies and advice:okies:

On my next weekend off I shall be lifting my (plastic) bins and lining them all with chicken wire, mixing the contents and adding water.

I will also stop using the nest box straw from the chicken shed, as often a little bit of egg white residue is left on the straw:dh:

And hopefully my rat friend will move on

 

Hope it works for u

 

If you do the chicken wire, you shouldnt need to change what you compost at all ....... The rats cant physically get in other than chewing through the plastic bins (very very unlikely as easier food sources)

 

Thank you Paul, I shall try

Thank you for all your help:rocksn:

 

Holy helephants, I have just found one in my half full bin, but I water it-and I`m a bit er............dodgy, around the little furry creatures.


The hard faced critter just stuck it`s nose up from under my leaves and stared me out. It won coz I legged it.

My cats are rubbish!!

 

I caught this today:

 

Thanks for that:euw:

The only thing I really dislike about rats is the shock of disturbing them the noise is really awful:(

 

That is very Horrible Lmrr..:D
Just one thing could you put a warning on your Thread, in case Whiley see's it. she gets upset. Thanks :thumb:

 

I've nearly had my fingers a few times lol. I've got an electric trap too which is good as its easier to get rid of them cause u just tip it in the bin.

 

Good stuff LMR, For rats I use fenn traps:

http://www.killgerm.com/product-group.php?group=509

I prefer traps to poison, humane and no smelly or risk of anything getting accidentally poisoned.

A tip, try peperami or peanut butter as a bait works every time, used outdoors make an artificial tunnel using chicken wire roof tile or whatever so as to prevent pets or birds getting caught.