Are Pets, Rodents or Other Animals Attracted to a Compost Pile?
Animals are typically attracted to a compost pile for two reasons: food and warmth. Cats, dogs and rodents will not be attracted if meat, bones, fish and other food products eaten by these animals are not placed in the compost pile. Maintaining a very hot compost pile will also aid in keeping these animals away. In the winter, small rodents, such as mice and voles, will be attracted by the insulating and easy burrowing qualities afforded by an open compost pile. The best measure to use to prevent this is to enclose the entire pile within a “pest-proof’ container or bin. This should be equipped with a tight fitting lid, a closed perforated or wire mesh bottom, and air holes less than an inch in diameter. Spaces that might provide entrance into the pile should be blocked off with sturdy half inch (or smaller) wire mesh.
