Keeping rats away from your garbage is all about making sure they can't smell, see, or access any food or waste. The key is to use the right kind of bins, store them in the best place, and be careful about what you put in them.

Use the Right Garbage Containers

Standard flip-top garbage cans with a simple latch are not rat-proof. Rats can open these. Use heavy-duty bins with a bungee-secured or bayonet-style locking lid, or bear-proof containers rated for wildlife. Metal bins outperform plastic — rats can eventually chew through thin plastic if motivated. Tips:

• Choose metal bins or thick, heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids
• Make sure the bin has no holes or cracks — inspect regularly and replace damaged bins
• If your bin does not lock with a secure mechanism, add a bungee cord to keep it tightly closed

Store Garbage Bins in the Right Place

• Keep bins off the ground — place on a rack, bricks, or pallets to remove hiding spots and prevent chewing through the bottom
• Place bins away from walls, fences, and sheds — rats use these surfaces to climb or hide while trying to access bins
• Avoid storing bins in dark, overgrown, or cluttered areas — cut back plants and shrubs around the storage area so rats don't feel safe approaching

Manage Garbage Inside the Bins

• Always use strong, double-layered garbage bags — regular bags are easy for rats to chew through
• Tie bags tightly before placing in the bin to trap odors
• Put especially smelly food waste (meat, fish, bones, dairy) in sealed bags before throwing out — freezing these items until trash day is even better as it reduces odor emission significantly
• Don't overfill bins or leave the lid propped open

Compost Management

Compost bins are among the highest rat-attractant outdoor features. In New Hampshire:

• Use only enclosed rotating compost bins — not open pile composting
• Never add meat, fish, dairy, or cooked foods to compost
• A hot compost (above 130°F) deters rats but is difficult to maintain in NH winters
• Consider suspending composting October–March and using bokashi indoor fermentation instead during the cold months

Rural NH: Bi-Weekly Collection

In rural NH areas with bi-weekly garbage collection, garbage stored for extended periods significantly increases rat risk. On off-weeks, freeze meat and fish scraps or store in a secondary locked metal container to reduce odor emission between pickups.

Keep the Area Clean

• Regularly clean garbage bins with soap and water to remove odors and food residue
• Sweep up spilled trash or food around the bin immediately — even small crumbs outside the bin attract rats
• Don't leave pet food, bird seed, or compost nearby — store these in rat-proof containers

Other Helpful Tips

• Take out garbage on collection days, not days beforehand — the less time garbage sits, the lower the risk
• Use outdoor bins rated as "rodent-resistant" — many NH municipalities offer these or can advise where to purchase them
• If you notice gnawed lids, rat sightings, or droppings near bins, act quickly to upgrade containers and increase cleaning frequency

With these steps consistently applied, rats will find it very hard to access food in your garbage and will look elsewhere. Call Anchor Pest Services at (603) 785-0118 if rats are already established on your property — garbage management alone won't remove an active infestation.

‍