Re: >>Mice/Rats
Rats are attracted to any food in the composter. They are also attracted to the heat generated by the decaying matter
I read somewhere that rats do not like the smell of Jeyes Fluid. If this is correct, and I hope it is because I use it extensively in the garden, a few dollops around the outside of the compost bin every couple of weeks should keep them away.
I put Jeyes Fluid down the outside shores regularly just to keep them fresh and vermin free. I sprinkle it in the wheelie bin also to disguise the smell of food.
Keeping rats and mice out of your garden is a never ending task. It is important to keep your garden neat and tidy. If you have fruit trees, don't leave fruit on the ground, because rats like fruit. Cut grass at least once a week, because mice will nest in long grass. Rake up fallen leaves; and prune shrubs so that there are no places for vermin to hide and nest. If you must leave food out for birds, take it in at the end of the day. Clean your barbecue after every use, because the smell will attract rats.
Be especially vigilant at this time of year because as soon as the temperature drops, mice will look for somewhere warm to spend the winter, and they will be very cunning at getting into your house, so take a look around the perimeter of the house and block up any potential openings. A guy from Rentokil told me mice can sense a heat source from 50 metres.