Bill asked 6 years ago
I have a barn with a concrete floor where I’d like to set up a wedge system. How concerned should I be that rotting kitchen scraps will draw in rodents, and how can I limit that? I’m thinking of using a layer of scraps topped by a layer of aged manure, but not sure if that will be effective. Thank you in advance.
wormadmin Staff answered 6 years ago
Hi Bill,
Rodents are something no one seems to give much thought to – with how you hear people burying food waste in gardens etc.
But I can assure you, especially at certain times of year, you may end up seeing them in your operation. They seem to want to come closer to humans and their houses/sheds etc at the start of winter (probably for warmth) – and no doubt are attracted to food waste.
Rodents will also happily eat worms, unfortunately.
And rodents go on to attract snakes. Yuck.
Meat, animal fats and dairy is said to attract rodents more readily, so I would advise not using any of those in a system.
As to your plan of covering the food, that’s common in a lot of systems and I doubt it will make much impact on rodents.
You’ll have to control the rodents somehow. I have traps out all year round (both mouse and rat sized) to catch them early, not allowing them to gain a foot hold.
The best bait for us seems to be peanut butter with a couple of corn kernels stuck into it.
Good luck with your wedge – I’m sure you’ll be amazed at the processing capacity and happy with the ease of harvesting – it sure beats little plastic boxes hands down !
Thanks for asking your question,
Regards
Brian