Summer in Australia means two things: time for those big home projects you’ve been putting off, and the return of unwanted pests. While a skip bin is perfect for managing waste from your renovations, garden overhaul, or deep cleaning spree, it can quickly become a feast for local wildlife and insects if left unprotected.
Don’t let this put you off, however. There are some proven strategies to keep your waste contained and your property pest-free. Let’s get into it.
What are the Risks of Pests in Skip Bins?
Common pests like ants, rats, mice, flies and cockroaches are drawn to organic waste, lingering smells and the damp dark spaces of skip bins.
However, pest infestations can trigger allergic reactions and cause several diseases, including asthma. Rodents and cockroaches, in particular, are carriers of disease-causing microorganisms and can contaminate food. Similarly, ants and flies have rapid reproductive cycles that suddenly create unsanitary and unpleasant surroundings around skip bins.
Efficient rubbish removal is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your family and neighbourhood. Before hiring a skip bin in the summer, have your property pest-controlled for that extra layer of confidence against infestations and potential health risks.
Tips for Effective Waste Management Practices
Proper waste management is essential to minimise pest infestations and other health risks associated with unwanted critters.
Hiring the right size skip bin means there is less room and fewer entry points for pests, making it more difficult for them to infiltrate your skip bin.
Separating waste into different categories, such as recyclables, organic and general waste means you can carefully monitor what’s attracting pests and take targeted prevention measures for each type of waste.
Regularly cleaning the skip bin and maintaining the surrounding area helps prevent pest infestations by eliminating food sources and nesting opportunities.
Managing Food Waste to Prevent Pest Infestations
Food scraps in skip bins attract pests, who use them to acquire food easily. Rather than placing your food leftovers and organic waste alongside other rubbish in your hired skip bin, use a kitchen unit or wheelie bin to eliminate food waste and prevent pest infestation.
Use sealed bags to dispose of food waste or even avoid direct disposal altogether. For example, a kitchen garbage disposal unit like an incinerator shreds food waste and allows it to pass through plumbing.
Skip Bin Placement and Maintenance
Where you position your skip bin can also determine the likelihood of unwanted visitors causing an infestation. Place your skip bin away from fences, roofing, and drainage pipes. You don’t want a rodent to have easy access to climb in and help themselves to organic waste, so a skip should be away from any climbable surface.
It may sound redundant, but if you regularly clean your skip bin with mild detergents, bleach, or vinegar, you’ll be able to deodorise and reduce the bin’s attractiveness (smell) to pests.
Using Repellents and Deterrents
Check with your skip hire company to confirm what chemical formulas will not damage the container but applying pest repellents and deterrents are practical ways to keep insects and bugs at bay.
Natural options like citronella oil, chilli oil, peppermint oil and bergamot oil are also effective alternatives. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the repellent product label and use safely and responsibly.
Securing Your Skip Bin
An easy remedy to prevent pest problems, but even easier to forget, is to close and lock the container lid after each use. Unwanted critters do not only visit at night, stray cats, dogs and insects can dig through an open bin in the daytime. Covering your skip bin’s lid is your best defence to keep pests away.
If your skip bin doesn’t have a lock, use a cord to keep the lid closed or tweak it with a brick so an animal cannot lift it. A tarpaulin is another handy way to cover the skip bin and block out odours that may attract unwanted visitors.
Additional Tips for Pest Control
- Clean recyclable plastic bottles and other containers. This will deodorise your bin to keep pests away.
- Place your skip bin away from other rubbish bins to reduce easy access points for pests.
- For residential products, consider using mini skips. There will be less waste to dispose of compared to construction sites and is, therefore, an opportunity to minimise other insects finding a habitat on your property.
Ultimately, have a chat with a professional about your skip bin requirements before delivery. You can contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff at Best Price Skip Bins via email or phone for easy and expert advice on how to make the most of your skip bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop people from using my skip bin?
We recommend that you have the bin on your property to prevent misuse and avoid paying for a permit to store on the road. Hiring a covered or lidded skip bin that can lock will prevent illegal dumpers, or if that is not possible, simply covering the open lid with a tarp will act as a deterrent. Keeping exterior lights on at night throughout the duration of your hire period will similarly remove the cover of darkness ideal for passersby to use your bin.
How do you cover a skip bin?
Use a tarp made of durable material like canvas, PVC or non-waterproof mesh tarp. Lay the tarp flat on the ground side-by-side with the bin and pull it over the open bin. Ensure that the tarp completely covers the top and sides and secure it tightly with bungee cords, ropes or strong clips.