Both black rats and brown rats can occur in compost. Both species are undesirable and can be distributed in the same way. What can you do if you want to get rid of rats in compost?
How do I get rid of rats in compost?
To get rid of rats in compost, you should dig the compost pile frequently, do not throw away food scraps, set up rat traps and secure the composter, e.g. B. with a grating. If the infestation is severe, an exterminator can be called in.
Get rid of rats in compost – what can you do?
It is common knowledge that rats and mice are attracted to leftover food in the compost. What is less known is that rats are also attracted to the heat generated in the composter.
If you need to get rid of rats in compost, there are several ways to do it.
But it's even better if you make sure right from the start that no rats get into the compost in the first place.
Make it uncomfortable for the rats
- Dig compost piles frequently
- Prick it with the digging fork more often
- don't throw food scraps into the compost
- Setting up traps
- If necessary, hire an exterminator
To get rid of the rats, you have to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the pests. A compost pile that is frequently dug up is not very attractive to rats. By digging you also cause temperature fluctuations. It gets either too cold or too hot for the rats.
Do not throw food scraps such as meat or sausage waste and cooked food into the compost. If the rats don't find anything to eat, they look for food elsewhere.
Set up rat traps (€16.00 on Amazon) - preferably live traps. However, you must check these regularly and remove caught rats. Dead traps usually only help for a short time, as the rats understand the system very quickly and stay away from the traps.
Securing the compost heap
To make it impossible for rats to enter, place the composter on a wire rack. Cover open compost heaps in the garden with a grid and also ensure that the ventilation holes in the sides are too small for the rats.
Tip
If the rat infestation is very severe, contact the municipality or hire an exterminator. It ensures that you get rid of the rats without posing any danger to small children and pets.