Achi news desk-
A gardener’s work is not always easy; and when it comes to preventing ever-present pests, it can sometimes feel impossible.
This is the case with rats, who like to take advantage of everything from your garden’s water supply to dropped bird seed.
“The first thing you need to know about rats is that they like warm, quiet and safe places to live,” says Waste Less Yorkshire.
“Compost piles and bins can reach 40°C, a vital part of the composting process, making them a cozy place for things like rats,” they add.
Oh, good – probably one of the best things we can do for our gardens is to attract unwelcome guests to it.
Thankfully, we don’t have to lie back and accept our fate – in fact, gardeners can repel rats with a simple sprinkling of water.
BBC Gardener’s World says that “regular watering of the tip can… prevent [rats]” as the creatures do not like moisture.
Other tricks to keep pests out of your rotting waste pile include turning it regularly, lining the bottom with chicken wire, and keeping wood waste out of your heap – or at least heavily diluting it with green and brown waste.
You should also “Don’t worry about your bin,” East Sussex County Council advises.
“Give it a bang or a rattle every time you pass it. Rats may not be as keen to hang around if there is activity around the bin.”
If you’ve taken all possible steps to rid your compost pile of the beasts, the Royal Horticultural Society says you don’t need to call pest control again.
“Don’t discourage rats by removing any accessible food sources, for example by making sure bins are sealed,” they suggest.
“When feeding wildlife such as birds, do not allow food to accumulate (this will also help reduce the risk of spreading wildlife diseases). Removing clutter will reduce hiding places and nesting areas for these animals.”
If you’ve just noticed a rat problem around your compost bin, however, a simple dash of H20 can go a long way.
