Correction: I said high protein, I meant high calorie

You got it! Shameless plug: if you go to leafingoutpod on Instagram i did a story highlights that’s all about compost

hungry, so I don’t think it’s much of a deterrent. They can chew through anything, so the plastic isn’t really a barrier, but if there’s nothing to draw them to the pile and it’s an exposed-feeling place to be, they’ll leave it alone. Also, do you have plenty of browns in there?

That can be turning it or it can just be poking holes in it with a stick. Also, rats won’t nest anywhere where they don’t have access to water, so check to see if you can eliminate/make harder to access any water sources. Re: peppermint oil, I wouldn’t bother. They’ll eat literally anything if

1/? Yes! So, things rats like: high protein food like meat, cheese, oil, bread, so I would keep those out of your compost. Next, rats like out of the way, undisturbed places, so if it’s possible to put your bin near where you walk everyday that’s ideal. And/or mess around with your pile frequently

Not silly at all! I think the timing of compost application thing is pretty overrated. Ppl apply in spring because they think nutrients go straight from compost to plant, but that doesn’t really happen. Compost feeds the microbial networks in the dirt that then feed plants, so Nov is great!