Pest-free compost bin?

[FlorenceMcGillicutty]

I'd really like to get started composting. I've looked at a few DIY options and was originally just thinking of making a contained pile. Thing is, I live in the city and while rats aren't a huge problem, I don't want to take any chances. I'd like to get a compost tumbler that also makes compost tea. The cheapest I've found is $100.  I've looked at some DIY options but haven't found anything that would work well in our relatively small yard.  Is it worth it to spend $100? Or do y'all have better ideas?

[Greg]

Check with your city waste utility; some have suggestions and programs you can follow, other actually sell composting devices.

In a pinch, if you make your own, 1/4" galvanized screen will keep rats and mice out.

[FlorenceMcGillicutty]

Thanks, Greg!

[Sunny]

I previously used a open compost pile but now I'm trying a rugged plastic bin with holes drilled on all sides.  I suppose you could seat it inside a larger bin to collect tea.  It's my experiment but so far, so good.

[iamsoners]

I'm in a similar situation and last year bought an old black garbage can with a snap on lid at a garage sale. I then drilled holdes all over it to allow the compost to breathe. It's been fine so far--no animal problems at all despite a large population of gigantic raccoon, opossums and the occasional rat.  I do avoid putting meat and fat in there and also am sure to cover the latest additions with an inch or two of "browns" (dirt, leaves, etc.).

That said, I know this wouldn't have worked when I lived in DC--we tried for a bit and rats literally knawed their way through the bottom of the (fairly thick) plastic bin we had.

[CG]

Get a Bokashi system.

[PGH]

I have a huge pile of garden waste in the back of our property, but I use a closed tumbler at the side of our house for our food waste. No interest in attracting bears, skunks or raccoons to our house, and I also love, love, love my compost tea. For me, the expense was worth it.

[Myrmida]

I know your question is about larger pests, but on another note we found that we attracted fruit flies if we didn't include enough "browns" (leaves, grass, etc.) as compared to kitchen (fruit and vegetable) waste.

[Rural]

Avoid adding meat and dairy, including eggs, and you've virtually eliminated the least desirable visitors (raccoons, dogs and cats, mostly bears, though occasionally one will notice a vegetarian compost heap).

[anastrophe]

That said, I know this wouldn't have worked when I lived in DC--we tried for a bit and rats literally knawed their way through the bottom of the (fairly thick) plastic bin we had.

Squirrels have diligently worked on mine. They are not a nuisance, but city rats have all night to work... I'd go for galvanized screening.

[PGH]

Avoid adding meat and dairy, including eggs, and you've virtually eliminated the least desirable visitors (raccoons, dogs and cats, mostly bears, though occasionally one will notice a vegetarian compost heap).

Our black bears go for anything! We even have to be very careful with bird feeders or we'll find a bear on the porch, checking them out.

[Rural]

Avoid adding meat and dairy, including eggs, and you've virtually eliminated the least desirable visitors (raccoons, dogs and cats, mostly bears, though occasionally one will notice a vegetarian compost heap).

Our black bears go for anything! We even have to be very careful with bird feeders or we'll find a bear on the porch, checking them out.

Ick. Not so bad here, but then there's there's a paved road between our woods and the national forest, so it may just be an issue of habitat fragmentation.

[FlorenceMcGillicutty]

Avoid adding meat and dairy, including eggs, and you've virtually eliminated the least desirable visitors (raccoons, dogs and cats, mostly bears, though occasionally one will notice a vegetarian compost heap).

Yeah, the rats have gotten into other people's compost bins in our 'hood, even when they avoid all the usual suspects like meat, dairy, etc. I'm beginning to think I need to either get some snugly fitted galvanized wire or just bite the bullet and buy the tumbler that makes the tea. Thanks for all of the suggestions!!