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Mice in the compost bin

Chris1954Chris1954 Posts: 15
in Problem solving

I have found mice droppings in my compost bin.

1. can I use the compost?

2. How do I get rid of them?

thanks

chris C

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,055

    Mouse droppings are really quite small - are you sure they're not rats?

    If they're mice I wouldn't worry at all - the compost is fine to use (although as always you should use gloves when handling compost). 

    Compost should be turned/stirred/aerated regularly and kept moist - that should make it much less attractive to mice.

    Hope that helps.


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Chris1954Chris1954 Posts: 15
    Definitely mice droppings. Will do as you suggest.

    Thanks you very much.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 22,606

    Compost is fine to use, but (I hope I won't shock you) I use mouse traps when mice are were I'd rather they weren't. They breed quickly and I don't want to use poison because of other birds and animals who may eat them.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Chris1954Chris1954 Posts: 15

    Thanks Busy-Lizzie, but I think I'll let the little fellas live.

  • Barbara HarrisonBarbara Harrison Posts: 107

    We have always had mice in our compost at home and at the allotment. The only problem is the shock they give me when I disturb the heap. My husband did try humane traps but quickly got fed up. It seems that for every one caught there were more waiting to take their place!

  • Chris1954Chris1954 Posts: 15

    I guess they can stay then. I certainly wouldn't want to kill them.

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