Pest Proof Your Compost Bin
If you compost correctly, you shouldn't attract any pests. To discourage any unwanted visitors follow these steps:
- Don't compost meat, bones, oily/greasy foods, or pet manure.
- Eggshells should be rinsed off and crushed before putting them in the composter. This will help eliminate smells that may entice animals.
- Place materials that are high in carbon (dry leaves and dead plants) at the bottom and along the inside walls of your compost bin. This provides good airflow, drainage and odour control.
- Cover exposed food with a layer of dry leaves or a 2.5-centimeter (one inch) of soil or finished compost. Place food waste in the centre of your pile. This will help reduce smells that may attract pests.
- Turn or stir the pile regularly.
- Place your backyard composter in a location that has good drainage and sunlight.
- Harvest finished compost as soon as it is ready. This will discourage pests from nesting in the warm compost.
- To prevent animals from tunneling up through the bottom of your backyard composter, use a hardware cloth (galvanized mesh) to line the bottom and outside walls of the bin. Piling rocks or bricks around the outside edge may also discourage burrowing animals. Make sure the lid on your bin is securely fastened.
For more information please call Customer Service at 613-546-0000.
