When pests get into your trash, they’re not trying to be pests. For most animals, scavenging is a way of life. Either it’s their primary means of foraging, or it’s a shortcut to a meal. Tearing open a trash bag is a lot less work than hunting and killing prey. However, the result can be a big mess for you. But how do you keep pests out of the trash?
One of the first things to try is reducing the amount of appealing scraps in your garbage. Instead of throwing chicken bones and meat scraps—which can create strong, attractive odors—in your garbage, put them in your freezer, then add them to the garbage only on the morning of garbage day.
Although you may think your garbage always smells bad, that scent of rotting food can be very attractive to scavengers. However, there are certain odors that will repel animals. The most accessible and easy to use is ammonia. Ammonia is a common scent in urine, and when animals smell it, they think of the food as fouled.
In fact, peeing on food you’re not going to eat is a time-honored method of competition in the wild, and it is often used by territorial animals to discourage competitors from taking advantage of their scraps.
It should go without saying that you should make sure to put the lid on your garbage to discourage pests from making a meal of it. However, a lid is often not enough, as some pests can remove the lid. If you’re having this problem, bungee cords typically work well for keeping pests from taking the lid off. If animals are gnawing through a plastic can, get a metal one.
You can also try moving your garbage into the garage or other area that you consider secure from pests. The best thing about this option is that it will tell you whether it’s really secure or not.
Often animals will establish a nest or home near an abundant food source. Once they discover your trash, they may move into your home, and that’s when you need to get rid of them.
Animal & Pest Control Specialist, Inc. can help take care of any animal pest that’s moved into your home to be near food, whether that’s garbage or your pantry. We serve Denver and the surrounding areas, from Fort Collins to Castle Rock, Evergreen to Aurora. Please contact us today to learn how we can help.
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