Mouse/ Mice in Compost Bin

[Michelle]

I have two of those wonderful Phoenix City trash can composters and have had great results over the past year or so with my composting.

 

Today I was watering the compost inside one of them and to my surprise a mouse appeared, looked at me, and quickly disappeared into the bin. I am fairly sure it was a mouse because it was very small although I know that there are various tyes of rats around everywhere of course. 

 

Should I be concerned about this? I certainly don't want to over react if it is not a problem as long as we don't get any in the house. We had pack rats in our roof last winter which we managed to evict by cutting back all the trees which seemed to be serving as their entry points into the roof, and doing regular roof space surveys for any new activity.  

 

I never use any pesticides or fertilizers in my garden and have lots of wildlife around including King Snakes. I am a firm believer in nature maintaining a balance and so if they will not do any harm I am happy to let them be. I am actually a little surprised that this is the first time I have seen rodents in the box.

 

Any advice gratefully received and thank you! :)

[XenitH]

Yep, keeping the bin moist will take care of the problem. Another reason it is a good idea to keep the compost irradiated and moist as much as possible. If the top looks a little dry and crisp that means it is likely to make a nice home for rodents or other unexpected guests. And DON'T close the top of the compost, unless you prefer an air-tight composting technique which works faster but smells vile! Rarely have to stir it though, as long as it was moist in the beginning.

[Vynnie McDaniels]

Chris is dead on - the snake will eventually take care of the rodent(s), and likely soon. For you, just stir/activate your composters a couple times per week and the mouses will scram to more stable spaces (likely trafficking through snake territory). Use a rebar rod or one of those corkscrew thingies to stir your compost regularly.
What part of town are you in? In some areas, feral cats control the vermin too.

[Michelle]

Thanks Vynnie!

I am in North Scottsdale. I haven't seen many cats around but have seen several king snakes in the early morning, and found a king snake skin completely intact on our back patio so I know they are out there. I actually ended up emptying the bin out and didn't find any evidence of nesting or babies thank goodness so this particular one was probably just enjoying a nice snack in a warm place.

Thank you again! :)

[Michelle]

Thanks Chris! I had thought the same thing now that the nights are getting cooler. I am sure it felt nice and toasty in the box last night! :) I saw juvenile king snakes right near that box back in the summer so that may solve the problem too if they have stuck around. Thanks again.