Can You Use Compost That Rats Have Been In?
WouterIf you’ve noticed rats in your compost, you may want to take steps to prevent them from returning. You can do this by making sure that your bin is not too close to your home. Rats are attracted to food and will likely move on to easier targets. However, you can discourage them by placing bird feeders or putting traps around the bin.
Rats can carry disease, so you shouldn’t use compost that has been contaminated by these pests. Rats can pass these pathogens through their saliva and urine. You should also be aware that your pets can also pick up parasites from these pests. If you have pets, make sure to keep them indoors.
Rats like compost heaps because they are light and friable. The compost is great for burrowing. While you can use the compost that has been infested by rats for your garden, you should avoid using it around plants or fruits that are low to the ground. This is because the raw parts of the plants could come in contact with the compost or soil.
The first step in preventing rats from making your compost pile their home is to make sure the compost heap is well-maintained. Make sure it has the correct mix of materials and is in a sunny location. It should also be placed far from any hedges or fences to minimize the chances of rats coming near. You should also keep a gap around the bin to prevent rats from crawling inside it.
