7 Ways to Keep Critters Away From Your Roll-Off Dumpster

Your roll-off dumpster is an invaluable product to help you keep your premises clean and organized. But it can also be a pleasing attractant for pests and other animals. Follow these easy tips to reduce the chances of a pest infestation in your facility:

1. On Concrete, Not Grass

One of the primary ways to keep critters away is to place your roll-off dumpster on concrete surfaces, not grass. Insects and rodents prefer that damp and cozy environment of soil. So if your dumpster is sitting on grass or mulch, it may attract many critters. Also, there is a good chance of leakage from the bin into the soil contaminating groundwater and leading to legal concerns.

2. Away From the Structure

Place the dumpster at least 100 feet away from your structure, next to the dock door, or near the sewer drain. The closer it sits to your edifice, the greater potential for critters to invade your facility. You’d also want to pest-proof the surroundings and keep doors closed when not in use.

3. Replace Damaged Bins

If your dumpster is damaged, leaking, or rusting, get it replaced. Cracks give critters easy access to enter the bin and create a ruckus. In fact, all kinds of animals can chew through cracks making bigger holes in the dumpster. So, make sure there are clauses in your contract to replace a broken dumpster.

4. Covering Is Essential

Talk to your garbage company and request a roll-off dumpster with a closed lid. It not only keeps pests away but also animals like raccoons, bears, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, and cats from getting inside. If only an open-top dumpster is available, get a durable cover so no critters can chew through the obstacle.

5. No Food Trash

Throwing away food trash in open-top roll-off dumpsters can easily lure bugs, pests, and animals. It can also attract flies and maggots. Depending on your location, your dumpster can be a victim of ants, wasps, cockroaches, rodents, household pets, stray animals, and dangerous wildlife. So it is best to keep food waste in a contained area away from dumpsters and get the trash picked up immediately by your garbage company. It also helps keep foul odors at bay.

6. Use Repellents

You can use repellents if the dumpster cannot be covered and is sure to attract pests and other big nuisances. An ammonia and water solution can keep pests away. But you’d want to ensure the landscaping isn’t ruined with ammonia. You can also use commercially available repellents for better results.

7. Regular Cleaning

You’d also want to consider cleaning the dumpster after it is emptied. Regular use can accumulate gunk and slime over time and build awful odors attracting pets and animals. So, you can either talk to your waste management company for a cleaning service or rinse the dumpster yourself.

The Bottom Line

Dealing with a pest infestation can be annoying and also hazardous. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep those creepy crawlers away from your trash bins. Use the solutions mentioned above in conjunction, and you can create almost impenetrable surroundings on your property. Also, look up "waste management near me" to partner with reputable experts and utilize commercial-grade dumpsters to minimize the access of pests and animals on your premises.