Rats in compost

[bario1]

I opened the lid of my compost bin a couple of weeks ago and let out a less than manly scream as there were three rats sat on top of the contents, which are almost at face height! They instantly disappeared into the depths of the heap when they heard my roar, and i gave the heap a good soaking in the hope that they would vacate the premises. However, each time i (tentatively) open the lid now to add compost, I can see the tunnels they have made to get at the fresh stuff at the top, so I presume they are still living in it.
I don't want to empty my bin just yet as i'd prefer to wait till we've had some warmer, drier weather - but can I discourage the rats somehow?

[muddled]

water directly into the tunnels and give the bin a hefty kick each time you pass it.
They don't like to be disturbed!

I've had the same thing this winter although (touch wood) mine appear to have moved on now.

[Scarlet]

Stick a snapper trap on the top!

[roitelet]

Put some of those rat poison sachets that look like Blu tack in the top and keep replacing them until they stop taking them. 1 per rat and a couple for luck and it takes about 5 days. I don't use the grain type bait as it can get spread around in the compost, all you are left with from the first type is the paper wrappers and they are easy to get rid of.

[bario1]

I don't really like killing things, even rats... i'd rather they just moved on.

[PyreneesPlot]

I don't really like killing things, even rats... i'd rather they just moved on.

I feel the same way and do get them from time to time. I leave them, but then my heaps are a long way from both my and my neighbour's house. One sat and chittered at me from a blackthorn the other day - I suspect it was saying something like not bloomin potato peelings again!

[Jungle Jane]

There could be a tunnel under your bin,is there anyway you can slide something underneath as a base? Like a wire mesh? In the summer the bin should get hot enough to kill any bacteria but wash your hands after handling wet compost that contains rat urine. Constant kicking would be impossible but it could work. The rats know when we're not around tho,so they'd come up at night. Do they like the fresh stuff you're adding? Is there a different compost bin you could use so they get bored of that one? I found a hole in my garden earlier,on the edge of fencing,filled it with stones & wedged a big one in-between the fence post so it won't move (ever) unless a new hole is made next to it. If I find any new holes,I'l have to wrap some poison in cling film,put it in the hole & let the rat decide if he wants to scratch through the wrapper to eat it. He's a thief if he does!

[Scarlet]

I don't really like killing things, even rats... i'd rather they just moved on.

They don't move on from a food source...they just multiply.

[veggiechicken]

Rake out your compost bin and either spread it or bag it. It may not be ready but, if the rats have nowhere to live they'll find somewhere where they can.

[WendyC]

Can you give it a good stir with a fork?

[arpoet]

I had them a good few years ago in my compost heap down the bottom of the garden. They also came up the garden to take the wild bird food. I had to get the council rat man out to put down bait traps. Touch Wood, not seen any for a few a years. Mind you, i do put fresh hos muck in the bottom of the daleks, and i dont think they like that.

[roitelet]

I don't really like killing things, even rats... i'd rather they just moved on.

The only good rats are dead rats!!!!!!!!!!

[Knight of Albion]

What is it you're putting in the compost that is attracting them?

Kitchen waste on a compost heap WILL attract rats, sooner or later. Even something as innocuous as potato peelings is enough to do it.

Everything has to eat! If you're (inadvertently) providing a renewable food source, something is going to take advantage. It's inevitable. See it from their point of view ... It's a gift.

Maybe wise to stick just to garden waste (leaves, grass cuttings etc.)

Removing the attracting food source should rectify the problem.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

I don't really like killing things, even rats... i'd rather they just moved on.

I hope they did not see you type that.

I don't relish the thought of exterminating anything, but, I would advise the following:

1. Remove all sources of food (& stop feeding birds)
2. Make it less hospitable (soak the tunnels etc)
3. Have a good scout about and locate any runs
4. Purchase some little nipper style traps +
5. Remove any rubble piles / pallets *

* Anything that could potentially provide shelter
+ Bait with cheap toffee

The previous owner of our property made a rodent megalopolis at the bottom of our garden with rubble piles, raised outbuildings, ramshackle fencing, etc etc... I am gradually gaining control but the sooner you do the better!

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

If you have a dalek, you can get rat proof bottoms for some models.