Storing compost bags outdoors, particularly under decking, can attract rats and other pests, according to gardening expert Allan Jeffrey. August is a peak time for rats seeking access to properties as it aligns with their breeding season, making sightings more likely.
Why Compost Bags Attract Pests
Jeffrey, from Ultra Decking, says that keeping compost bags beneath decking is a common way homeowners inadvertently invite pests. Compost bags contain organic matter and retain moisture, creating a warm, humid environment that rats and mice seek out for nesting. Ants and soil-dwelling insects are also attracted to these conditions and can be difficult to remove once established.
Rats Cause Costly Damage
Once rats and mice establish themselves, their numbers grow quickly, and they can gnaw through garden structures. Jeffrey noted: "Nesting rats are a big problem. Their numbers grow quickly, and they'll soon start gnawing through garden structures like your decking, your fencing and that kind of damage doesn't come cheap."
Firewood stored under decking also poses a risk. Jeffrey added: "Timber that's picked up moisture over winter is the perfect hiding place for wood-boring insects, and that's when the real damage starts."
How to Store Garden Supplies
Jeffrey suggests raising and airing out supplies. Store compost bags and firewood on an elevated platform at least one to two metres away from the house and timber structures. Good ventilation prevents moisture buildup and makes the spot less appealing to pests.
If space is tight, move compost into robust plastic bins with secure clip-on lids, which are harder for rodents and insects to penetrate. He also recommends a 60-second check with a torch beneath decking for warning signs like torn plastic, small access holes, or dark droppings.
Identifying issues early can mean the difference between a simple clear-up and a costly pest control visit. If rats are suspected nearby, contact a pest control professional for guidance.
