How to Keep Pests Out of Your Skip in 4 Simple Steps

Sometimes, what you want to keep out of your skip bin is just as important as what you want to put in. In particular, one thing no one wants in their skip is pests. From rats and mice to flies and maggots, there are numerous critters that can get into skip bins and wreak havoc. Thankfully, these pests are easy to prevent when you know how.

Here are four simple steps to keep your bin free from unwanted visitors.

The first thing you need to consider is placement. Where you have your skip positioned will have a big effect on how accessible it is to unwanted critters.

The best spot for a skip is somewhere away from any fences, roofing, or drainage pipes. Since the outer surfaces of skip bins are flat and sloped with little grip, the exterior is hard for rodents to climb.

Instead, rats and mice usually climb up fences, along pipes, or across rooves to get access to the bins. So, keeping your skip away from any of these climbable surfaces will make access into the skip bin very difficult for rodents.

Unsurprisingly, all types of pests are attracted by the scent of food, and most insects lay their eggs in or around food sources. Food waste is also one of the refuse types which many skip companies will not allow in their bins, so you should definitely stick to disposing of your food in the usual way.

Of course, food isn't the only organic waste that poses an issue. Many pests can happily feed on various plants and flowers, which can be a problem if you use your skip to clear out your yard. Thankfully, the next step will help you if you need to stop your green waste from attracting pests.

If you use your skip for landscaping waste, you'll definitely want to find a way of blocking out pests that might be attracted to it. Plus, even if you only fill your bin with organic waste, the dark, sheltered crevices between your old belongings make the perfect nest spots for rats and mice. This is where covering your skip bin comes in handy.

If you hire a standard open-top skip the best way to cover it is with a tarpaulin. Tarps are easily strapped onto a skip with rope, and they're great at blocking the odours that attract pests and stop all but the most determined critters from getting inside.

Make sure you use a waterproof tarpaulin as this will also keep rain out, which prevents dark, damp spots where woodlice, centipedes, mosquitoes and other insects can thrive.

As a final precaution, you can also try applying pest repellents to your skip bin. There are many chemical formulas on the market designed to deter bugs and rodents from houses and gardens; many of these can be sprayed or sprinkled in and around a skip bin to keep pests at bay.

There are also plenty of natural options that can be just as effective. Citronella oil, for example, is known to ward off mosquitos, wasps, and other insects. Meanwhile, a study has indicated that rodents are deterred by the scent of oils like chili, peppermint, and bergamot.

However, before using any repellent—natural or manmade—make sure you check with your skip hire company to ensure that the substance won't do any damage to the bin.

If you're ready to hire a skip, contact Green Bins for timely, affordable bin hire in Adelaide.