Mice in My Compost
Question
July 24, 2024
I just saw a mouse in my composting bin. I have it caulked, taped, shut with wire and hardware cloth on the ground below it. What should I do?
Answer(s)
Answer by JZ: Good to hear about your composting effort. Here are my thoughts: Mice are “shapeshifters” and can get into a compost setup even though they may be unwanted and
you and have made efforts to keep them out. To the best of my knowledge they do not interfere with the decomposition (composting) process, but may assist it by creating air spaces as they move around in the organic material. The only composting bin which might eliminate the entry of mice, is an elevated tumbler bin. As they are above ground, it would be difficult for mice to crawl up the infrastructure tubing. Alternatively you could bury your organics directly into the soil 12”-18” deep and or consider the Bokashi bucket composting method.
Note that the Hanta virus is not prevalent in Bernalillo County, NM.
Hope that this is helpful. Get back if you have questions.