When it comes to kitchen composting tips, there are plenty of things you can do to make the experience as easy and pleasant as possible. However, many homeowners still suffer from wild animals getting attracted to the compost bin.
There are ways to compost food scraps without them smelling and enticing the animals in your area to explore your outdoor compost bin. That way, you can continue reducing the amount of waste you create by composting the food scraps, organic debris, and compostable packaging you bring into your home.
Below, you'll find suggestions on ways to keep wildlife out of your compost container. That way, you'll get the best out of the process by being able to use its contents for your own gardening purposes without any headaches.
Be Selective with What You Compost
Items that should not go into your compost bin include meat, bones, dairy, and oil. These items attract animals seeking food. Having them sit in a bin for days at a time doesn't do you any favors.
Keep them out of your compost pile and in the garbage where they belong. You won't have every type of animal sniffing out your yard in hopes of finding something good to eat because you were selective about what you decided to put into the composter.
Cover Aeration Holes
Using wire mesh, keep the holes in the compost bin covered completely. The air will still reach the soil, but the odors coming from the compost won't be as noticeable.
You can keep curious critters away from the bin by simply investing in an inexpensive hardware supply. A local contractor can safely and successfully assist you with the task, which is a big relief for you as the homeowner.
Keep the Lid on Tight After Adding to the Compost Pile
When adding to the compost, you'll want to check the lid to ensure that you've put it back onto the bin tightly. If it's latched, make sure that they're closed completely. A lid makes it harder for animals to climb into the bin to explore its contents.
Always invest in a composter made of durable materials that are impossible for wildlife to explore. You'll be able to keep all the nutrient-rich soil safe for use in your garden.
Use Bricks or Other Heavy Objects to Weigh Down Handmade Lids
If the lid detaches from the bin, you'll need to weigh it down to ensure that no animals can access it. One of the ways to do that is through the use of bricks and heavy stones. You can remove the objects relatively easily. Animals, however, cannot.
It may be a bit of a hassle to open and close the lid, but if you have great difficulty doing so, you know the raccoons, possums, and stray dogs won’t open it either.
Put the Composted Soil to Good Use Right Away
Just as soon as you've created the compost that you desire for your garden, make sure to use it. That way, there isn't a temptation for critters to explore your property. They won't find any tempting morsels of food to feast on.
Instead, the compost you created is put to good use, feeding your plants and allowing your garden to thrive!
Be Deliberate with Where You Keep Your Compost
The purpose of having a compost container is to create the best soil for your garden, it isn't for feeding the animals in the neighborhood. When it comes to keeping critters out and all the nutrient-rich goodness in, you need an airtight system that doesn't open easily.
A professional can assist you in selecting or building the perfect set-up for your property.
Be Patient and Actively Protect Your Compost Pile from Pests
Protecting the soil that you worked so hard to create takes time and a significant amount of effort.
By following the advice listed above, you can easily avoid a mishap involving an animal knocking over the bin and spilling its contents all over the ground. You can keep the compost where it belongs, in your garden! That's a reassuring thought, considering how much effort you put into creating your compost this year.
Trust a Professional to Take Care of Your Composting Needs for You
Don't try to build an outdoor composter yourself! It will cost you far too much to fix if you do it the wrong way. Instead, trust the services of a knowledgeable and skilled contractor that specializes in garden composting systems.
You'll benefit from the experience a compost expert brings to your home and yard.
Need some help tending to your garden and yard? Contact a local landscaping company and request a free quote!
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