Effective Ways To Keep a Dumpster Clear of Animals and Pests

When you’re planning a remodeling, renovation, or new construction project for your home or business, you have many decisions to make. Colors, materials, fixtures, and floors all factor into your vision of the finished job. But before new cabinets, countertops, tiles, and paint can go in, the old materials must come out. That’s why you should call a roll-off dumpster service. Once a dumpster arrives, you should also have a plan for effective ways to keep a dumpster clear of animals and pests.

Proper Dumpster Placement

Designate a space on pavement or gravel for your rental dumpster. Placing a dumpster on grass or near foliage increases the odds that critters will explore within the dumpster or that pests will hide next to it or beneath it.

When the dumpster is on concrete, asphalt, or gravel, it’ll be less likely that animals that prefer to take cover in shrubs and other greenery or burrow in the ground will use your dumpster as shelter. Placing the dumpster on pavement can also keep substances that may leak from it from leaching into the ground. You want to avoid that, as dirty substances may affect the groundwater quality.

Be Vigilant About Food Waste

Your dumpster rental service will most likely prohibit food waste disposal. Anything that contains food waste should go into regular plastic garbage bags. From there, you should deposit the bags in the bin designated for your regular trash pickup.

Cover It

Passersby often think they’re doing the right thing by disposing of their fast-food wrappers and cups in your dumpster. But their attempts to contain their litter might attract animals to your dumpster. One of the most effective ways to keep a dumpster clear of animals and pests is to cover it. Ask your rental service to provide a cover that locks. You can also cover the dumpster with a tarp.

Use Repellents

Eco-friendly animal repellents are generally available at your local hardware or big box store. These repellents may include ingredients like hot peppers or other natural deterrents to scare off curious critters.

Keep the Dumpster Clean

If you use a dumpster regularly, be sure to clean it thoroughly each time it’s empty. Preventing waste buildup goes a long way in discouraging animals and pests from trying to make your dumpster their new home.

A roll-off dumpster is a great way to contain and carry away debris from construction or remodeling or get rid of junk when you’re moving or downsizing. Keep unwanted guests away from your dumpster by placing it on pavement or gravel, covering it, and keeping it clean. Also, use repellants to deter persistent animal visitors.