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Re: Eggshells and rats?

On Mon 15 Jun, Pat & Alex wrote:
> Hi,
> Where did you read that eggshells attract rats? It's always interesting
> to know the source, and I'm especially interested since I also have
> recently started "recycling" my eggshells after reading an article by
> Jerry Baker that they are good for the garden.
> I rinse mine thoroughly first and then dry them in a just warm oven
> before crushing them.
> Might I be inviting rats into the garden?
> Pat
> 
> HWGunnar@aol.com wrote:
> > 
> > I have a separate container just for eggshells and every now and then when it
> > gets pretty full, I smash them into the smallest bits I can and sprinkle them
> > on my flower or vegetable beds.  In a few weeks you can't tell they were there
> > anymore.  I always thought that they were not only fairly inoffensive but also
> > would be one thing that wouldn't attract vermin.  But now I read that they
> > could attract rats?  I certainly don't want a rat problem!  Should I stop?
> > 
> > Helen
> 
> 
Can't answer for sure. I think the advice came from the pest control
officer. It would seem to me that the smell of the egg contents is what
is attracting the rats to the compost heap. The same would apply to any
meat waste, fresh or cooked, as these are things that rats eat for
preference. I would doubt that crushed up shell scattered over an area
would attract the rats, but it could be different if the bare shells
were actually in the heap. When we had this rat problem we were using
metal mesh panels for the sides. The rat found his way in by tunnelling
in from underneath. We then put chicken wire on the floor next time we
started a compost heap, but already this rat was dead from poison and we
were not able to know if there was another one around. I would have
thought that it was hardly worth taking a chance with the unwashed
shells if there was a problem for the little benefit that could be
obtained from the quantity of shell available.
So if you really want to add the shells, go ahead, but if the rats
appear, stop. At least you will be aware that there is a risk.

-- 
Allan Day  Hereford HR2 7AU allan@crwys.demon.co.uk
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