[totalnovice]

.....But i need some advise on rats.

I have seen a rat near my compost bin on three seperate occassions now and i am convinced he is living in the 'wildlife' area (that i haven't got round to tackling yet), I'm not scared of them but don't want to encourage them to come and dine on my potential compost! I only put raw vege matter on the compost, no meat, bread or cooked stuff, The only thing i can think that might be attracting them is the sawdust and hay from my pet rabbit.

Can anyone give me any advice  please on discouraging my new tennant or will i just have to get used to my new 'friend'? 

[Trillium]

You don't say if your compost is at a lotty or at your home. If at a lotty, then the allotment association is obliged to get rid of them for you.

If at home, you'll mostly have to discourage the rats by enclosing the bin rather than leaving it open at all. A sheet of Weldmesh on the bottom will keep them from burrowing upwards. Close in all sides and put a clip on lid on the bin itself, as well as tightly closing all gaps the rats could sneak in through. They will sniff and try to get in but won't manage. Frequently check all sides of the bin to see if they're trying to chew their way in and do repairs immediately. It's about all you can do unless you hire a professional pest control, which could get expensive as rats are prolific.

[totalnovice]

Thanks for the advice - its on an allotment so will get on to them see what they can do! I feel much better now that I don't have to think about the expense of getting rid of them myself :happy: