Is My Composting & Garbage Attracting Pests?

Composting is such a simple and plausible way to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Placing organic food scraps and waste in an outdoor compost pile is becoming a logical alternative for many who want to do their part for the environment. Since approximately 21% of a typical US household's trash can is composed of compostable food waste, more and more Americans are finding the value in creating a compost area of their yard or investing in a composting bin.Composting, while a positive act for our environment, does have some negative aspects. For example, many homeowners find that the smell of decaying food can be a turn off, especially if they enjoy entertaining outside. Additionally, many homeowners find that composting piles or bins can be a bit of an attraction for pests looking for a meal.Solutions for the odor can be straightforward in getting a composting bin that masks and contains the odor. But what to do about pests looking for a meal? That is another question entirely.If you practice composting, what are your methods to keep pests away from your home and in particular the compost pile? Let's take a closer look at how Americans prevent a pest invasion near their compost pile all while doing something amazingly good for the environment.

Cover Your Compost Pile

First and foremost, homeowners that are successful at keeping pests at bay while composting recommend covering the compost pile. Many pre-made compost bins have a cover that can be used. This can not only keep out the wildlife that may be looking for their next meal, but also dampen the smell that is often associated with a compost pile.If you are building your own compost pile, you can cover it with mesh to keep many of the larger pests out. The tighter the knit of the mesh the better.

Keep the Pile Moist

Most critters that wander into our yards are looking for either water, food, or dry, warm shelter. Unfortunately, many homeowners who let their compost piles dry out have created a perfect haven for mice, rats, and other creatures to seek refuge. Keeping the compost pile moist can go a long way to prevent wildlife from making a permanent home there. As you add each later keep it moist so as to discourage nesting.

Bury Fresh Scraps

If you are an ardent composter, you know that burying your most recent additions to the pile can not only help it decay faster, but also keep the smells from attracting critters. Turning and shuffling your compost pile will let it breathe and do its job without attracting unwanted visitors. We suggest burning your fresh food scraps by adding a layer of brown leaves to stop the odor and making this much less attractive to critters.

Plant Mint and Other Pest-Proof Plantings

According to the Spruce online, studies show that many homeowners have luck keeping rats and mice out of their compost pile by planting mint or other pest-proof plantings near their pile. Since mice and rats appear to dislike the smell of mint it can be quite the deterrent.Drop us a line to tell us your tricks at composting and how you keep your compost pile pest free!