[AwakenedMama]

My husband and I just started composting a few weeks ago. Today, a mouse ran out when he turned it.

We live in a house in the city, so mice are not cool. Do we have to get rid of the compost bin, or what?

 

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

What kind of bin do you have? What are you putting in your compost?

 

[salt_phoenix]

Mice are pretty common near and around outdoor compost bins. Get a cat.

 

[aliceincolo]

A tumbling bin with a secure lid would keep your good stuff away from critters... mine is compact and e love, love, love it! Also you might consider a small worm bin.

 

[scorch_dc]

Some of the large block style compost bins have a mouse guard you can put underneath...basically small holed chicken wire that attaches to the bottom so that they cannot get up into your compost in the bin...or as mentioned, the spinning types are off ground and are actually pretty good for small urban spaces.

 

[AwakenedMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhiannon Feimorgan What kind of bin do you have? What are you putting in your compost?

We bought a wire-like bin that just rolls into a cylinder and is staked into the ground. I guess that's the problem!

We put yard waste layered with kitchen fruit and veggie scraps, egg shells, coffee grinds, etc. We always cover with yard waste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by salt_phoenix Mice are pretty common near and around outdoor compost bins. Get a cat.

Good idea. We've never had a cat because my brother-in-law is allergic. But he doesn't come around much. I'll talk to DH

Thanks for the advice about bin types! Maybe we will look for a mouse guard so we don't have to buy a new bin. But we could also buy a tumbler and use the old bin just for yard waste, I suppose.

I appreciate your support! I don't want to give up on this, but DH is not happy about the mouse.

 

[AwakenedMama]

Oh, so these tumblers are expensive! I don't mind spending the money if I know it's going to work out, but I don't want to spend this much on something we're just trying.

Anyways, this bin seems to be one of the least expensive ones. Any thoughts on the size? Make-up? Won't the base that collects the "tea" also attract rodents?

Thanks for any tips!