[NASH]

Of your compost bin that is ! I am building a timber bin and wonder if I should make it rat proof ?

[Yorkie]

Won't the rats be able to climb through the sides too?

I have a dalek and would consider putting mesh under that if there was a rat problem around.  Others will hopefully advise on the strength of mesh to be used, I've a feeling rats can chew through the weaker stuff?

[DavidT]

I believe they can chew through any of the garden meshes, so I wouldn`t bother. They are less likely to target your bin as long as you don`t try composting cooked food or meat. 

[PAH48]

We've been here before...Darlek bins...scrunched up chicken mesh below..it works...

Open compost bins, or pallet style, well! unless you are going to scrunch up enough
chicken wire to protect all sides,  tops .,base ect....I fink you know where I'm going.....!

Darleks are the easiest to protect...but at the end of the day you takes your chances....

Only ever put in raw vedge....cooked meats or vedge = Rats....

[Trillium]

I use a heavier grade called weldmesh at the bottom, with 1/2" holes. Any worms and rain can get through but nothing else. The sides of my bins are tight so rodents can't get in and I'm just making clip on lids (on hinges) for the tops. Have turned the pile a few times and so far no pests other than a few winter crows selecting from the buffet  :blink:

[NASH]

Thanks for replies everyone, my bin is made from 3x2 timber with only 1/2 gaps between the slats so I hope it is rat proof from the sides and with a lid they wont get in there too.

I was thinking of using galvanised rendering mesh as it does not cost too much.

[bailey]

I have a black dalek one and yes its now reinforced at the bottom with chicken wire, not a high grade one just that I have put a few layers of it across the bottom and then bent it up around the sides,, my first attempt at compost got a rat in it, just raw veg peelings and grass cuttings was in it!