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Garden Compost Bin - Vermin ?

TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
in Problem solving
My local council who weekly collect Garden Waste whatever that maybe up to 50mm thick branches.

They are now going to do a 'seasonal collection' meaning no winter collections. They suggest in composting our own for the benefit of the garden.

My question: If I purchased a Compost Bin from our local garden centre, would this attract Vermin as they have a large opening near the base.
South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
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  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    edited March 2018
    Thanks,

    You say they go where they can find food. But you are putting food waste in there although its not meat or fish.

    Asking as many years ago I did have a compost container made in timber sat on soil, but always remember find a hole next by of around 4cm dia in the soil and thats why I asked. Made up using grass cuttings and kitchen waste (no meat etc) and leaves/plants in late autumn.
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have never had the slightest problem.
  • micearguersmicearguers Posts: 646
    I was advised by my parents not to compost kitchen waste, as it might attract vermin. Hence I don't. I suspect that kitchen waste may attract vermin depending on the circumstances. I have a faint wish for a wormery - another way to deal with kitchen waste.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
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  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I never put any cooked food or meat in the compost. I've never had any problem.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited March 2018
    .
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    I don't like the plastic bins - it's quite hard to make good compost in them and they are heavy to move around. If you have the space, something like Pansy's is the best and you can make or buy wooden compost bins that look very smart if you can't hide it! Rats like humans: we build warm homes and chuck food about, so they have lived with us for thousands of years. However, if you avoid cooked waste and turn your compost from time to time, they will live with your neighbours, instead.

    incidentally, you won't be able to compost branches unless you can chop them up.

  • plant pauperplant pauper Posts: 6,904
    pansyface said:
    Branches do take quite a few years to break down, it’s true.
    And they are impossible to chew, unless you are a beaver. 😀
    ...or my dog!
    I have mouse holes (I think) in my compost bins (New Zealand Box style). Only peelings and uncooked waste from the kitchen go in them, along with all the garden stuff of course, but the mice probably find them nice and warm and generally undisturbed for long periods. Cosy! Doesn't bother me one bit.
  • cornellycornelly Posts: 970
    We put non cooked kitchen waste on the compost heap, with the garden waste, there are rats around the garden but they are not a compost heap problem, there will always be rats about compost heap or not.
  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    Thanks all,

    The next bin I'll have will be positioned out of view of my wife.  :D
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
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