Compost heaps are hugely beneficial for your plants, and a great way to make use of your excess waste such as teabags and vegetable peelings – but did you know you should be watering it regularly?
Having a compost heap in your garden is a hugely beneficial way to make use of your waste – but did you know you should be watering it regularly?
By having a compost heap in your garden you can make excellent organic, chemical-free fertiliser that will improve your soil’s condition – and your plants will thank you for it. It’s also an excellent way to use up your waste – as you can use anything from vegetable peelings, fruit waste, teabags and grass cuttings.
But compost heaps are also rich, moist, warm, dark and rather cosy for many garden creatures – particularly rats. It might be horrifying to think about, but Waste Less Yorkshire warned: “The first thing you need to know about rats is that they like warm, quiet, safe spaces to live.
“Compost heaps and bins can reach 40C, a viral part of the composting process, making them a cosy spot for things like rats.” But luckily, there’s something you can do to make it less likely rodents will make a cosy home in your compost heap.
According to BBC Gardener’s World, “watering the heap regularly can deter [rats]”, because they dislike moisture. The ideal moisture of a compost heap is similar to a wrung out dish sponge, says Hampshire City Council. If it becomes too wet, you’ll need to add some ‘browns’, such as dry leaves, dead plant clippings, hay, or sawdust, while if it’s too dry, you should add some water, or greens – such as food scraps and coffee grounds.
Replenish Oxfordshire also agrees, saying you should “make sure your compost contains enough moisture, as a dry compost pile is an ideal nesting site and shelter for rats”. Other things you can do is turn the contents regularly, as this not only introduces air to the compost, it also deters rats.
East Sussex County Council also advises to “disturb your bin” by giving it a rattle every time you pass it”. They add: “Rats might not be so keen on hanging around if there is activity around the bin.” You can also try to line the base with chicken wire.
If you’ve tried all these tricks and rodents still insist on making your garden their home, the Royal Horticultural Society recommends removing “any accessible food sources, for example by making sure bins are sealed”.
They added: “When feeding wildlife such as birds, do not let access food build up (this will also help reduce the risk of spreading wildlife diseases). Removing clutter will reduce hiding and nesting places for these animals.”
Do you have a story to share? You can email [email protected]
