How to Store Garbage to Keep Rats Away

 

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. Here’s everything you need to know to store your garbage so rats stay away for good.

 

Use the Right Garbage Containers

 

• Choose metal bins or thick, heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Rats can chew through thin plastic, rubber, or bags, but metal and thick plastic are much harder for them to get into.
• Make sure the bin has no holes or cracks. Even a small gap is enough for a rat to squeeze through. Inspect your bin regularly and replace or repair any damaged bins.
• Use bins with locking or snap-on lids. A loose lid is easy for a rat to push open. If your bin does not lock, use a bungee cord to keep it tightly closed.

 

Store Garbage Bins in the Right Place

 

• Keep bins off the ground. Place bins on a rack, bricks, or pallets so they don’t sit directly on the dirt or concrete. This removes hiding spots for rats and prevents them from chewing through the bottom.
• Place bins away from walls, fences, and sheds. Rats use these surfaces to climb or hide while trying to get into the bin. Leave some space on all sides if you can.
• Avoid storing bins in dark, overgrown, or cluttered areas. Cut back any plants, grass, or shrubs around the storage area so rats don’t feel safe approaching the garbage.

 

Manage Garbage Inside the Bins

 

• Always use strong, double-layered garbage bags. Regular household bags are easy for rats to chew through. Extra thick bags hold smells in and make it harder for rats to get at the contents.
• Tie bags tightly before placing them in the bin. This helps trap odors and keeps the contents contained.
• Put especially smelly food waste (like meat, fish, bones, or dairy) in sealed bags or containers before throwing them out. Freezing these items until trash day is even better if possible, as this reduces smell and insect attraction too.
• Don’t overfill bins or leave the lid propped open. Rats will take advantage of any overflowing trash or unsecured lids.

 

Keep the Area Clean

 

• Regularly clean garbage bins with soap and water. This removes odors and any food residue that might attract rats.
• Sweep up spilled trash or food around the bin immediately. Even small crumbs or food scraps outside the bin can draw rats in.
• Don’t leave pet food, bird seed, or compost nearby. Store these items in rat-proof containers elsewhere.

 

Other Helpful Tips

 

• Take out garbage on collection days, not beforehand. Letting garbage sit longer than needed increases the chance of attracting rats.
• If possible, use outdoor bins that are rated as “rodent-resistant.” Many cities offer these special bins or will tell you where to buy them.
• If you notice gnawed lids, frequent rat sightings, or droppings, act quickly to upgrade your bins and clean more often.

 

With these steps, you make it very hard for rats to find or access food in your garbage, so they’ll look for easier places elsewhere. Consistency is essential—make these habits part of your regular routine and you’ll keep rats away from your trash for good.