Many people will recoil at the sight of a rat, and yet many other people actually allow rats into their homes. To be fair, these rats are generally of the pet variety, and the fluffy, domesticated fancy rat is an altogether different creature to its wild, outdoor-dwelling, verminous cousin. It's these outside rats that can cause a problem when it comes to skip bins. While you are unlikely to put anything edible into the bin unless permitted by the skip bin hire company, even the most unlikely of items can prove to be alluring for those resourceful, yet annoying outside rats. How exactly can you keep rats out of your rented skip bin?
Placement of the Bin
Even the most athletic of rats will not be able to climb the sheer metal wall of the skip bin, and a rat making its way inside will generally need an access point. This might be a fence that is pressed up against the bin, or entry might be possible by dropping from an overhanging point (which could be a tree or trellis). Wherever possible, ensure that the bin is placed well away from these possible access points.
Check for Holes
Before placement is determined and even before you accept delivery of the bin, perform a brief inspection. It's likely that the bin company will have done this themselves, but a fresh pair of eyes can be helpful. Though sturdy, skip bins don't last forever, and you need to look for small holes around the base. Whether from the carelessness of previous renters or simply through regular wear and tear, small holes in the bin can obviously grant entry to an inquisitive rat.
Secure the Bin
If wild rats are a common sight in your area, then preventative measures can be beneficial, especially if the only convenient placement of the bin is somewhere with elevated access points. Rent a bin that has a lid. The lid can be secured with a latch, and while the seal is not airtight, it should keep any rats confined to scurrying around the surface of the lid if they decide to explore.
While you wouldn't mourn the death of a wild rat, these measures are a better choice than laying traps or rat poison. You want to keep rats out, but you also don't want to be responsible for the death of a native animal, or even a pet…even though a pet who eats the poison is more likely to be a wandering dog or cat than a fancy rat.
Share17 July 2017
Hello, my name is Rob and this is my rubbish removal service blog. I am not a professional garbage removal guy but I have a lot of experience of trying to deal with large amounts of rubbish. When my father passed away, I was surprised to find he had been collecting magazines for many years. When I entered his home, I found a very large volume of magazines and I had no idea how I would deal with them. My friend suggested I hire a garbage removal company to help me clear out the mess. They did a great job and I learnt quite a lot.