Pest expert names common compost item that will 'quickly' attract rats to your garden

Conscious gardeners frequently seek methods to enhance their compost and soil, with food waste products being a favoured recommendation. Even if you don't already compost, autumn is the perfect time to begin. It takes advantage of the abundant supply of carbon-rich fallen leaves. Plus, there's plenty of time for organic matter to break down over the winter, providing nutrient-rich compost for spring planting and improving soil health for the following year.

However, everyone understands that certain food categories, including meat, dairy, and any pre-cooked items, must be completely avoided when building a compost heap. A pest specialist has disclosed one item that's commonly missed as a troublesome addition to compost. It might just be the reason for the rats in your garden whose origin you can't trace. John Stewart, a pest prevention expert at Pest-Stop, said: "While adding eggshells to your compost might seem harmless, it's not the best idea."

He continued: "Not only do eggshells take a long time to break down, but they can also attract unwanted visitors - like rats!".

Eggshells appear to be a natural option for enriching the earth as they contain high levels of calcium and other nutrients that plants adore.

Yet John cautioned that certain eggshells, even the tiniest pieces, are sufficient to lure rodents towards what they perceive as a dependable food supply.

He explained: "Unwashed eggshells carry lingering odours that can quickly draw rodents to your compost bin. During colder months, rats may be even more attracted to compost bins as they provide a warm, cosy spot, thanks to the heat generated by the composting process."

Once rats discover a place to feed, they can be exceptionally difficult to remove.

Pest specialists like John stress that stopping rats from reaching your compost initially is far simpler than tackling an infestation afterwards.

"To prevent rats from burrowing under your bin, consider setting it on a solid base, like a concrete plinth or paving slabs", said John.

He observed that every gardener should follow three vital steps to ensure their compost remains "rodent-free and working efficiently."

First, a completely enclosed compost bin is crucial to protect the compost. John also recommended burying food waste deep within the compost to help contain any odours.

His final composting tip was regularly turning your compost to accelerate decomposition and minimise smells.

Some gardening specialists claim eggshells can be used safely outdoors if crushed and baked beforehand.

According to GardeningKnowHow, baking the shells helps eliminate any bacteria that might be present and makes them less attractive to pests.

However, even with these precautions, there is still a risk that gardeners may prefer to avoid.

Instead, stick to other compostable materials less likely to attract rodents, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings.