A UK binman has shared a straightforward trick to keep foxes and seagulls from raiding your bins: place an empty milk container filled with water on top of the bin lid. The No1 Binman, a self-proclaimed 'binfluencer', revealed the tip on TikTok in response to a viewer's question about deterring pests from food bins.
How the Milk Container Trick Works
According to the binman, the water-filled milk container deters foxes because they are most active at night. When streetlights illuminate the garden, light reflects off the water, which foxes find off-putting. "That will stop the foxes," he explained. He added that most binmen will return the container to the bin after emptying, preventing it from blowing away, "solving two problems."
Additional Tips for Bin Protection
The binman also advised sealing all food waste in bags before placing it in the bin to disguise smells and make bins less tempting. He recommended storing food waste bins in a shaded spot, avoiding direct sunlight, which accelerates decomposition and attracts seagulls, maggots, and flies. "When you store it in your house, make sure you put it under a table or a chair," he said.
With a UK heatwave in full swing, keeping gardens tidy for BBQs and gatherings is a priority. Foxes and seagulls rummaging through bins can create a mess, but these simple measures can help maintain a clean outdoor space.
