RATS! 8 Top Tips to Keep Rats Out of Your Compost

Are you nervous about rats in your compost? Learn how to stop rats from digging and nesting in your compost pile, using methods I've used for over 35 years, so you can make critter-free compost.
To download a copy of the "temperature chart" featured in the video, follow this link to my Google Drive: drive.google.com/file/d/1ublG...
- RESOURCES -
💚 Marion's short list of trusted tools and resources: gardenerscoach.com/resources/
📕 21 FREE GUIDES to support you on the garden path: gardenerscoach.com/guides/lib...
► Timestamps in the video
00:00 Welcome, and what you can expect in this video
01:17 Introducing the BONUS we'll cover
01:45 Tip #1 -- Where to set up your composting
03:05 Tip #2 -- What is the best rat-proof bin?
05:02 Tip #3 -- The importance of turning your compost
05:29 Tip #4 -- De-cluttering your garden
05:52 Tip #5 -- Keep rats away with hot compost
06:27 Tip #6 -- Wet or dry? How to stop rats
06:51 Tip #7 -- How to compost food scraps
07:48 What a compost thermometer does for you
07:54 Tip #8 -- Don't focus on just the compost bin!
08:36 Secret Sauce tip to reduce pest problems and reduce time to get finished compost
10:13 Chart showing temperatures from actual compost piles
11:00 Special closing comments and THANK YOU!
► MORE compost-related videos
13 Everyday Things You Can Compost: • 13 Everyday Things You...
The Easy Way to Turn Food Waste Into Compost: • The easy way to turn f...
How to Make Compost in 2 Minutes (fun time-lapse): • Composting For Beginne...
To sign up for my special "Gardener's Coach" list and get your copy of my guide, "How to Get Finished Compost in 6 Weeks" follow this link: gardenerscoach.com/guides/com...
- LINKS -
(When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)
► REOTEMP heavy-duty compost thermometer amzn.to/3vHYbgL
► REOTEMP soil & compost tumbler thermometer (12-inch) amzn.to/3vJwtjP
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[@krissifaith6709]

You are amazing

[@oliverowen2029]

These tips make a lot of good sense Marion. Nice video.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Thanks, Oliver. And of course, I featured your Dad's excellent handiwork in the pictures of the bins. 🥰

[@virendratewari7310]

Wonderful very nicely n clearly explained.
Thank 🙏

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Thank you kindly and I'm glad it was helpful. Blessings to you 🙂

[@user-sr4hx5vh2m]

Hi 👋 Marion, Amazing that compost piles get so warm. Lots of great info.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi there, Mara. Thank you.... Yes, compost gets nice and toasty if made right. In the winter, it's nice being around a warm compost pile. I might be be able to cook hardboiled eggs!

[@1stAmbientGrl]

Excellent video! I hadn't even considered this problem, and my compost bins are in the woods in wire cages!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I started out making compost under a tree and in the corner of the yard. No wonder I had problems! The other thing that I didn't mention in the video (I'll try to remember for next time) is that super-strong wire mesh seemed like a good idea, but when it came to turning the compost, the pitchfork poked through. What a hassle. So the photos you see inside the compost bin are from our bins. And the person turning the compost, is your truly. It's the real deal. Thanks for commenting!

[@colleens3668]

Amazing! Great video! I tried composting years ago, I stopped because it drew rats into my basement. Wish I had had your help years ago. God bless and thank you!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

God bless you, too Colleen! And happy gardening!

[@MetalBum]

This is fantastic

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi... I'm really glad you found it helpful. Happy composting and have a great rest of your week! 💚

[@MetalBum]

Great advice on 💩 compost

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Thanks for letting me know -- I love making compost - would rather do that than shop for clothes!

[@colleens3668]

I wanted to keep my compost close to the house so I could easily take scraps out and add in the winter time but when the rats came into the basement the composting ended. However, the black raspberries growing where it used to be are 3 times bigger than the other ones around them.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Well... interesting trade-off. I bet the black raspberries make excellent jam!

[@anneduffy2435]

How do you provide air to you compost bins if the boards are close together? Drill lots of holes?? We are soon to rebuild our bins and looking for the best setup!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

We thought about the air situation, too. But when I turn it often enough, say, every 3 days or so for the first couple weeks of a 6-week hot compost pile, it's a non issue. Air circulation, or having enough air, for the microbes to do their thing, really requires first the addition of leaves, straw, and other carbon-based materials as you make it... WHICH, is all at one time. Does that make sense?

[@georgettekarena-tutapu6724]

Hi Marion, are the particles in the air while turning compost bad for us to inhale? I feel like i have to hold my breath while turning.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi Georgette, as with mold in an old house or on plants in a greenhouse; dry materials such as vermiculite or potting mixes (most are peat-based) I think it's a good idea to be aware of airborne materials. That said, our compost piles are uniformly moist so it's not a concern. I am, however, conscious of methane and other gases that "arise" when I'm turning a hot pile and hold my breath then. I hope this helps...☺

[@cathydavis9259]

OMG I HATE RATS!!!!! How do I know if I have rats in my compose?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi Cathy... well, our first clue is the appearance of holes and tunnels in the compost pile. If I suspect a rat, (smell a rat? Sorry!) I place a bit of fruit or something like that near one of the holes to see if someone's home...