Have you wanted to compost but are reluctant because you are worried your composter will attract rats? We have some suggestions!
First…let’s extol the virtues of composting. Composting is a great way to turn organic material such as plant leaves and stems as well as kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and even paper/cardboard (no coloured ink or glossy paper though) into a highly beneficial soil amendment, one that improves both the texture and nutrient level of soil.
Second…reality check…keep in mind that if you live in Sault Ste. Marie and have any cover (brush or wood piles, shrubs, perennial garden plants), you probably have rats. The only way to guarantee no rats is to have a yard that is just lawn.
Having said that, there are ways to minimize the rat population in and around your composter:
- We strongly advise against using rat poison. If a rat ingests poison and is then eaten by a larger animal – a dog, cat, or bird – then you could have more than one death on your hands.
- Do not compost meat, dairy, or bread. Rinse eggshells well before composting. And keep in mind that sweet veggies like corn are likely attractive to rats. If you truly can’t stomach the thought of rats but really want to compost, try just composting leaves and stems and not including any fruit. Any type of fruit/seeds – peapods, spoiled tomatoes and cucumbers, etc. – risks attracting rodents.
- Stir your composter regularly. Rats don’t like being disturbed. Check out these instructions for making your own compost turner.
- Keep your compost pile moist. Don’t provide a nice cozy place for rats to hang out. If you see signs of rodents, flood your composter and check around the bottom edges to see if they are burrowing there. Flood the tunnels too.
- Drop mint oil, cinnamon, and/or hot pepper flakes in and around your composter. Check the international foods section of grocery stores for large, inexpensive packets of spices.
- Consider making or buying a rotating tumbler composter. These are up off the ground and sealed, so rats can’t get in.
- Consider getting a Bokashi composting system, which you can use indoors. This system ferments compostables, rendering them unappetizing to rodents. However, it does not completely break material down, so it will need to finish in an outdoor composter.
Good luck and happy composting!
P.S. Clean North sells worm composting kits, which allow you to compost indoors. Email info@cleannorth.org for more information.
