Composting is one of the best things you can do for your garden—and for the planet. It turns everyday kitchen and garden waste into rich, crumbly soil full of life. But as rewarding as composting is, it can come with one unwanted visitor: rats. The last thing you want when you’re trying to create something natural and good is a rat problem in the middle of your garden. It’s unsettling, unhygienic, and if you don’t deal with it early, it can get worse fast.
If you’ve ever spotted a rat darting near your compost bin, or found suspicious tunnels and chewed food scraps, you’re not alone. The good news is, you can stop this. With the right setup, good habits, and a bit of awareness, your compost can be productive and pest-free.
Let’s walk through what really causes the issue—and how you can fix it.
Why Rats Are Attracted to Compost
Before you can stop rats from getting into your compost, it helps to know why they’re showing up in the first place. Rats don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re looking for very specific things—things your compost might be offering without you realising it.
What Makes Compost a Target for Rats
Rats are opportunists. Your compost bin can give them everything they’re looking for: warmth, shelter, and easy food. The natural heat from decomposing materials makes it cosy, especially in colder months. If the bin’s got any cracks, gaps, or open bases, it becomes the perfect hiding place.
The food scraps you add—especially if they include cooked food, grains, or anything greasy—can quickly become an all-you-can-eat buffet. And if the pile stays damp or isn’t managed properly, it can start to smell, which makes it even more tempting.
Signs Rats Are Already in Your Compost
You might not see them directly, especially during the day. But there are clear signs that rats have moved in. Look for:
- Small, round droppings around the base of the bin
- Tunnels or burrow entrances nearby
- Chewed edges on wooden or plastic bins
- Nesting materials like shredded paper or grass
- Movement or rustling sounds around dusk or dawn
You might also notice your compost pile settling unevenly or becoming disturbed in a way that doesn’t match your usual activity. If any of these things show up, it’s time to act quickly.
The Risks of Letting Rats Settle In
Aside from being unpleasant, rats can pose real risks. They carry diseases like leptospirosis, which can spread to pets or humans through contaminated soil or water. If you leave them alone, they’ll likely multiply, burrow deeper, and possibly move into nearby sheds or even homes.
They can chew through compost bins, insulation, and even electrical cables. And once they’re comfortable, they’re difficult to remove without taking bigger measures. Stopping them early is always easier than trying to get rid of them later.
Choosing the Right Bin and Setup
The compost bin you use—and where you put it—makes a huge difference in whether rats see it as a welcome spot. A secure setup removes easy entry points and discourages them from sticking around.
Best Compost Bin Designs to Keep Rats Out
Some bins are more rat-proof than others. Enclosed plastic bins with sealed bases and lids tend to be best. Hot composters, like the Green Johanna or HotBin, work well because the high temperatures are less appealing to rats and the bins are tightly sealed.
Avoid open heaps if you’ve had rat issues before. If you use a wooden bin, consider lining it with galvanised mesh or metal sheeting to make it harder to chew through.
Where to Position Your Compost Bin
The position of your bin affects how exposed or inviting it is. Rats prefer hidden, quiet places with cover nearby. Placing your bin against a wall or fence might seem convenient, but it gives rats the perfect place to hide and dig underneath.
Instead, try to place your bin in a more open, visible spot. Avoid areas surrounded by shrubs, sheds, or clutter. If possible, choose a location with a hard surface underneath—like paving slabs—or place it on top of a wire mesh to stop burrowing from below.
How to Make Your Setup Rodent-Proof
If you’ve already got a bin you like, you can still make it more secure. Line the base with strong wire mesh (around 1/4 inch thick) and ensure it overlaps the edges. Patch any gaps in the walls or lid, and check for signs of gnawing regularly.
A tight-fitting lid is essential. Some people weigh theirs down with bricks or secure them with clips. Also, make sure there are no gaps around the bottom edges—rats can squeeze through very small spaces.
What to Put In (and Leave Out)
What you compost has a big impact on whether rats show up. Certain items attract them instantly, while others keep the pile healthy without drawing unwanted attention.
Foods and Materials That Attract Rats
The biggest mistake is adding cooked food. Avoid putting anything in your compost that contains:
- Meat or bones
- Dairy products
- Bread or pasta
- Oils and fats
- Cooked grains or leftovers
- Pet waste or litter
Even small amounts of these can be enough to catch a rat’s attention. If you want to compost these kinds of materials, consider a bokashi bin or a food waste collection service instead.
Rat-Safe Materials for Healthy Composting
Stick to fresh veg peelings, fruit scraps, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, tea bags (without plastic), shredded paper, cardboard, leaves, and garden waste. These break down well, don’t smell too strong, and are much less appealing to pests.
Balancing “greens” (like food scraps and clippings) with “browns” (like leaves and cardboard) keeps the pile healthy, reduces odour, and speeds up the composting process—all of which makes it harder for rats to thrive.
Tips for Managing Odour and Decomposition
Smell is one of the biggest draws for rats. If your compost is well-balanced and managed properly, it shouldn’t smell bad. Turn your compost regularly to add air and mix the materials, which helps it break down faster and prevents pockets of rot.
Every time you add fresh food scraps, cover them with a layer of browns like leaves or shredded cardboard. This keeps smells down and stops food being exposed on the surface. If the pile gets too wet or slimy, add more dry browns to soak up the moisture.
Ongoing Maintenance and Prevention Tips
Even if your compost is set up well, rats might still come sniffing. The key is to stay one step ahead with regular upkeep and a few simple preventative tricks.
How to Keep Your Bin Clean and Active
Don’t let your compost bin sit idle. If you’re not adding to it often or turning it regularly, it becomes a cold, quiet spot—exactly what rats like. Keep feeding it small amounts, mix it often, and monitor the moisture.
If the bin has gaps or holes, patch them quickly. Look for signs of tunnelling or nesting nearby, and clear away anything that might provide shelter—like stacked wood, overgrown grass, or old pots.
Natural Rat Deterrents That Help
You don’t need harsh chemicals to deter rats. A few natural methods can help keep them away:
- Sprinkle peppermint oil around the base of the bin—it’s strong and rats hate it
- Scatter crushed chilli flakes or garlic powder around entry points
- Keep your garden tidy to limit hiding places nearby
- Use wire mesh skirting around the outside of the bin to block digging
You can also plant strong-smelling herbs like mint or lavender around your compost area as a passive barrier.
What to Do if Rats Appear Anyway
If rats have already moved in, don’t panic—but act quickly. Avoid using poison, especially in compost bins, as it can harm pets, wildlife, or contaminate your compost. Instead, consider:
- Disturbing the area frequently to make it less comfortable
- Placing traps outside the bin in sealed boxes where pets can’t access them
- Removing food waste completely for a few weeks while the rats move on
- Reassessing your setup for entry points or food sources
Sometimes the best action is just making the space less inviting until they leave.
Our Final Say!
Preventing rats in compost isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. A well-managed compost bin, built and placed with care, rarely becomes a long-term problem. By understanding what attracts rats and making a few smart changes, you’ll protect your compost, your garden, and your peace of mind.
It’s worth the effort. Healthy compost supports better soil, stronger plants, and a more sustainable home—and you shouldn’t have to deal with pests to get there.
So take a look at your setup, tweak what you need, and compost with confidence.
