There are many factors to balance when you plan to rent a dumpster, such as obtaining a permit and determining the rental dates. But your job doesn’t end when you finalize the rental; you still need to care for the rental once it’s on your property. One of the main issues you should worry about is the potential for pests and animals to get into your dumpster. This can be a massive problem if it does happen and can make it difficult to utilize your dumpster rental. Here’s what you should know about keeping your dumpster rental pest free.

Types of Pests

To best understand how you can keep your dumpsters clear of pests, you need to understand the different types that you may find in your dumpsters. Each type of pest requires specific practices and methods to prevent them from getting into your dumpster. This section will cover the common types of critters and what they can do if they’re in your dumpster.

Insects and Bugs

The most common types of pests you’ll find in dumpsters are bugs and insects. These little invaders come because of food or edible trash that you throw away in the dumpster. This can be a considerable problem as insects can bring other pests and spread from the dumpster to the rest of the area. If the bugs cause a massive infestation in the area, this becomes a problem for you and the community. Therefore, you need to prevent them from entering the area in the first place, as removing them is a big hassle if you don’t catch them immediately.

Wild Animals

Many different animals frequently invade dumpsters for food. The most common animals are mice, rats, birds, and small wildlife. The mice and rats are a big problem as they can spread disease to people and will multiply if given enough time. The small wildlife poses a more immediate danger as they can damage property, and they may attack people if someone makes them feel cornered or threatened. If you have a problem with any wild animals in your dumpster, you should call someone with the proper training to handle the situation rather than deal with it yourself.

What You Can Throw Out

The first step in preventing pests in your dumpster is learning what you can and can’t dispose of in your dumpster. The local government and the rental company have strict dumpster disposal rules. You should follow these rules as they’ll help you avoid issues with your dumpster rental. However, you should avoid disposing of any food in your dumpster rental, especially if it’s going to sit out there for a few days. Food waste is the biggest draw for all pests and will cause the most significant issues for you when it comes to dumpster rental. You should also avoid disposing of any hazardous materials, as some will draw in pests.

Location of Your Dumpster

The location of your dumpster is also significant for both the utilization of your dumpster and the prevention of pests. Placing your dumpster in a place with insects will naturally attract more insects than a place without them. If possible, you shouldn’t put your dumpster on any grass or next to bushes or trees. The best location to put your dumpster is on cement or tar, as it’ll act as a natural barrier to insects. It won’t prevent all pest issues, but it’ll help to discourage insects and prevent problems later. This can be especially useful on a construction site with larger 40-yard dumpster rentals since you have plenty of space to put your rental that’s not near the grass.

Dumpster Accessories

You can find many accessories for dumpsters that’ll help you keep pests outside. While these will add an increased cost to your rental, you can rent them and easily install them on your dumpster. Work closely with the dumpster rental company to figure out what accessories would work for their dumpster designs. A standard dumpster accessory is the dumpster cover, which is an excellent addition to any dumpster as it prevents easy access and can help cover any odors inside the dumpster. No cover will prevent all pest problems, but a good cover can stop a lot of pests from accessing the dumpster.

Animal Repellents

One of the best ways to deal with pests in your dumpster is to make it an unattractive place for them before they even arrive. Animal repellents are a great option to stop small animals from entering your dumpster and prevent them from settling. Be careful when using a repellent; some are bad for the environment and can even damage your dumpster. A small amount of an ammonia and water mixture can keep most pests away from your dumpster. You should be careful, though, as the mixture can kill plants. You should work with your rental company to see if the concoction is appropriate to use with their dumpster. You’ll need to reapply the mixture after rainstorms, as the water will wash it away.

Cleaning Your Dumpster

While you can’t clean a dumpster full of items and trash, you can ensure it’s clean when it gets to your door. Always check the cleanliness of your dumpster rental when it first arrives. You should also periodically check the dumpster for any random waste that may attract pests, like food, and remove it from your dumpster if possible. Catching any food trash early will help you prevent a pest issue in the future. This is one of the essential methods to keep your dumpster rental free of pests.

While you can’t guarantee that your dumpster will have no pests, even with these methods, you can reduce the chances of it. These methods will help you keep your dumpster clean and sanitary, and free of the food that pests love. This way, your rental will be problem-free, and the rental company will appreciate all your efforts to keep their dumpster clean.