Both black rats and brown rats can be found in the compost. Both types are undesirable and can be distributed in the same way. What can you do if you want to get rid of rats in the compost?

Rats love composted leftovers

Getting Rid of Rats in the Compost - What Can You Do?

It is common knowledge that rats and mice are attracted to leftover food in compost. It is less well known that rats are also attracted to the heat generated in the composter.

If you need to get rid of rats in the compost, there are several ways to do it.

It is even better, however, if you ensure from the outset that no rats take up residence in the compost in the first place.

Make the rats uncomfortable

  • Turn over compost heaps frequently
  • poke in with the digging fork from time to time
  • do not throw leftovers in the compost
  • set traps
  • if necessary hire an exterminator

To get rid of the rats, you have to make the pests as uncomfortable as possible. A compost heap that is frequently turned over is not very attractive to rats. Digging also causes temperature fluctuations. The rats are either too cold or too hot.

Do not throw leftovers such as meat or sausage waste and cooked food on the compost. If the rats find nothing to eat, they look for food elsewhere.

Set rat traps, preferably live ones. However, you must check these regularly and take away any rats that have been caught. Dead traps usually only help for a short time, since the rats understand the system very quickly and stay away from the traps.

Secure compost heap

To make it impossible for rats to get in from the start, place the composter on a grating. Cover open compost heaps in the garden with a grid and also make sure that the ventilation holes in the sides are too small for the rats.

tips

If the rat infestation is very severe, contact the municipality or hire an exterminator. It ensures that you get rid of the rats without endangering small children and pets.

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