Compost Animal and Insect Pest Control

About Composting Pest Control

Under the wrong conditions, a wide variety of animal and insect pests are attracted to your composting project. And, under the right conditions, you still find insects and pests trying their hardest to gain access. Even your family dog or cat could be attracted to your compost pile if you put the wrong things in it.

Mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, and even snakes are just a few examples of animals that are attracted to your compost. If you put meats or animal fats into the compost pile, you might even find a fox or a coyote scrounging for a scrap. It’s amazing how many animals seek a free meal when they can get it.

There is a wide range of insects and bugs that want to get to your compost for a source of food, or nesting, too. They are a real nuisance. And, they are all but impossible to get rid of.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to block and discourage both animals and insects from hanging around the compost pile. Be prepared for small insects to remain hovering around the compost. Even if they can’t get in, they are attracted to the odors.

Controlling pests is somewhat a function of the composting method that you select.

Ways to Minimize Compost Pests

Here are some tips and ideas, to help you to minimize the traffic jam of pests working their way to your compost:

Do not put meat, fish, or animal bones into your compost. This attracts pests, including your cat or dog.
If you use an open compost pile in the corner of your yard or garden, it may be next to impossible to keep many, or any, of these critters out. But, by adding fine mesh metal screening around the pile, you can make a dent in the traffic.
If you use a compost barrel or bin, use a lid. A fine metal screen will keep most animals out. A solid wood, metal, or plastic lid, that closes tightly will keep animals and many larger insects out. However, you will almost certainly see small, tiny insects hovering around the composter.
If the barrel or the bin you use, does not have a bottom, place a fine mesh metal screen under it.
The best way to keep pests out, is to use a composter with firmly sealable lids. Even composters, with holes for aeration and for excess water to drain, will attract insects around the unit.

Keep Your Compost Organic

For the health of your compost materials and the plants you will feed it with, please …….

Do not use insecticides in or around your composting project. After all, you are composting to provide organic gardening materials.
Do not use poison baits around your compost, or your garden for that matter. Some of these poisons can find their way into the compost or into your garden soil.

Got an organic tip for controlling pests? Please share it with us.