. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We are Napa Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to California critter problems. We service the greater Napa region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 707-693-4483 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Sonoma County, Lake County, Sutter County, Colusa County, Solano County, and more. We also service American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Angwin, Deer Park, Moskowite Corner, Oakville, Rutherford, Silverado Resort, Aetna Springs, Circle Oaks, Los Carneros, Spanish Flat, Berryessa Highlands, Dry Creek, Mt. Veeder, and more.

Napa Wildlife Education: How To Keep Rodents Out Of My Garbage

If you aren’t careful with your garbage, you can easily find rodents and other animals getting inside your bins or simply making a mess of your garbage bags. While most types of rodents have favorite foods, they are also frequently opportunistic eaters. That means that if a rat or other rodent can easily get a meal from your garbage can without having to scavenge, they will do so. This is especially true if they can just go back to your garbage can every time they are hungry. Luckily, you don’t typically need expert help to keep rodents out of your garbage. You just need to make a concentrated effort to change your garbage habits.



Pick Tight Lids
The most important part of keeping rodents out of your garbage is choosing the right type of bucket or bin. Always opt for one that has a lead which seals tightly. This way, the rodents and other animals won’t even be able to get inside the garbage can in the first place. If you live in an area where the waste company supplies garbage cans that don’t close securely, then it is worth investing in a second bin that rodents can’t get inside. Keep your garbage in that one most of the time and then just move it to the other bin on garbage day.

If you don’t have the budget to buy a new garbage can with a tight-sealing lid or simply can’t find one, you can also get creative. Some people have found success using bungee cords, rocks, or rope to keep their garbage lids in place. You can attach bungee cords to nearly any garbage can and they won’t let it open even if a larger rodent manages to knock it over.

Don’t Expect Much From Repellents
If you want, you can try to use a so-called rodent repellent to keep these pests away from your garbage. Keep in mind, however, that most repellents aren’t effective and rodents will simply ignore them. Instead, you will have to keep reapplying the repellent without any likely results. If you feel that you must try a repellent, then at least choose a natural option as opposed to chemicals like ammonia that could put you and your family at risk of health issues.

Clean The Garbage Can
It may seem counterintuitive to keep your garbage can clean, but this is actually a great method of keeping rodents away. As a bonus, it will also reduce the risk of mold buildup and other germs. Cleaning your garbage can works because a clean bin will have a fainter smell. Without the smells associated with past meals sticking around, your garbage is simply less attractive. Only the new scents will attract the animals.

You can even combine cleaning your garbage can with trying repellents. Using bleach or ammonia to clean the can will do a good job of eliminating mold, odors, and bacteria. Since ammonia is one of the most commonly suggested repellents, using it as a cleaner lets you see if you are one of the lucky few people who can actually keep rodents away with it.

Keep It Inside
One of the most effective ways to keep rodents out of your garbage is to make sure they can’t even get close to it in the first place. For those with garages, the easiest way to do this is to keep your garbage can inside the garage. This will work very well if your garage is tightly sealed and the rodents can’t get in the structure at all. Since they won’t be able to enter the building where the garbage is, there is no chance of the rodents getting to the garbage itself.

Use Lights And Sounds To Your Advantage
Most of the rodents who will try to get into your garbage will want to do so at night when they can’t be seen. Therefore, if you keep a light on at night by the garbage can, it may discourage them. Another option is to install a motion-activated light right by the garbage. Since many rodents prefer darkness, this can help. At the very least, the light suddenly turning on may startle the animal and make them reconsider their actions. You can also try a similar method but with sound. Leave a radio on a talk station at a low volume by your garbage and the human voices should discourage rodents. Keep in mind, however, that either of these methods will require constant electricity.

Talk To An Expert
Most of the time, one of the above methods will be enough to keep rodents out of your garbage. In the rare cases where it isn’t, you can talk to a wildlife expert who specializes in rodents. They will be able to look at your garbage cans, where they are stored, and the rest of your property and make suggestions. You should see results with expert help even if you haven’t with DIY methods.

Previous Education Articles
How Do Napa Snakes Eat?
Will a Napa skunk under a shed or porch have a nest of babies?
Biology of a Napa Black Rat
How to get wild Napa animals out of the attic.