How do I deter rats and possums from my compost?

Pests such as rats, possums and flies can be a big annoyance when composting. Nobody wants them around, and rats and possums in particular can damage your compost equipment by chewing through it.

Rat-proof steel mesh can be installed as an entry barrier but as these animals track their food through smell, eliminating the smell trail is the best way to deal with them. We can achieve this by making sure our wastes break down quickly and continuously with the right compost composite and proper aeration.

If you have existing compost equipment, this means you need to be consistent in sorting your wastes for a quick start, then follow aeration guidelines to keep composting going.

Alternatively, consider using a system like Bioverter which composts kitchen wastes better.

Begin with the right mix of wastes

To succeed in backyard composting, begin by balancing compost nutrition using the right mix of wastes, or in compost jargon, the correct ratio of Browns to Greens. A ratio of 2 Browns to one Greens is best for compost bins and tumblers.

Another factor is moisture. Dry composite needs to be moistened or it will compost poorly. On the other hand, very wet wastes rot rather than compost, so add more Browns to lower the moisture level.

TIP: Cut or break your wastes into smaller pieces to assist the compost microbes to break down waste effectively.

Match wastes to compost equipment

Watch out for unsuitable wastes. Don’t put high protein types such as dairy, meat, poultry and fish in compost bins and tumblers. Composting with worms requires even more exclusions, as worms dislike food such as citrus, onions and spicy waste.

Add oxygen

Compost microbes require a good supply of air. In traditional tumblers and compost bins, some air flows in through ventilation holes or slots. However, they need further aeration with regular turning, e.g. by rotating tumblers and mixing compost bins using a corkscrew aerator or garden fork. Aeration of in-ground worm digesters is also recommended.

Infrequent aeration can cause oxygen to run low, resulting in imperfect spells of composting. Even if you don't notice it, a smell trail for rats and possums could be created.

How Bioverter stops the smell trail

Bioverter’s insulation helps the composting process to start quickly. Its regulator vents are high up and has been developed to keep the smell of newly deposited scraps to a minimum. This smell-free design is fitting for high density living, with the added bonus of not attracting rats or flies.

Unlike traditional equipment, you don’t need to mix to add oxygen.

In contrast to traditional systems, you can compost kitchen scraps as the main ingredient – just add torn waste paper, cardboard and tip prunings over the top of each addition of kitchen scraps ^[1] .

Bioverter is also a solution for those struggling with rodents – keep your existing compost setup for garden waste and use a Bioverter for the effective composting of kitchen waste.