Are Rats in Compost Bad For Compost?
WouterYou may wonder if rats are bad for compost. Rats are known to carry a variety of diseases. Depending on the species, these pathogens can cause serious illnesses such as plague and hantavirus. Moreover, rats may also transmit parasites and diseases to your pets. If you find rats in your compost, it would be wise to get rid of them right away.
Rats are also known to damage plants. They chew through cables and wires, and can destroy lighter concrete. If you are considering a compost pile, it is best to place it away from any buildings so that it is not accessible to rats. Moreover, rats can terrorize your family and pets.
Rats are attracted to eggshells, which are highly mineral-rich. They also contain high levels of calcium. In fact, each dry eggshell contains about 2.2 grams of calcium. Moreover, they may also contain bacteria such as Salmonella. It is important to keep your compost bin clean and free from eggshells to avoid rat problems.
Rats may also carry the infectious leptospirosis bacteria. While humans are unlikely to become infected, they may contract the disease from rat urine. In the UK, less than 40 cases of infection are reported each year. It is estimated that 14 percent of rats are infected with the disease. However, this figure may be higher in some areas. Therefore, it is advisable to always use gloves when handling compost and to wash your hands regularly.
