Keen often look for ways to enrich their compost and soil, and food waste products are a popular suggestion.
But everyone knows some food groups, such as meat, dairy, and anything cooked beforehand, must be avoided at all costs.
A pest expert has revealed one item that's often overlooked as a problematic addition to compost heaps. It could just be the cause of that you can't find the source of.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, John Stewart, a specialist at , said: "While adding eggshells to your compost might seem harmless, it's not the best idea.
"Not only do eggshells take a long time to break down, but they can also attract unwanted visitors - like !"
Eggshells seem like a natural choice for enriching the soil as they are high in calcium and other nutrients that plants love.
But John warned that some eggshells, even the smallest fragments, are enough to tempt rodents towards what they think is a reliable food source.
He said: "Unwashed eggshells carry lingering odours that can quickly draw rodents to your compost bin. During colder months, rats may be even more attracted to compost bins as they provide a warm, cosy spot, thanks to the heat generated by the composting process."
Once rats find a place to feast, they can be incredibly hard to eliminate. Pest experts like John emphasize that preventing rats from accessing your compost in the first place is much easier than dealing with an infestation later on.
"To prevent rats from burrowing under your bin, consider setting it on a solid base, like a concrete plinth or paving slabs", said John.
He noted that there are three crucial steps every gardener should take to ensure their compost is "rodent-free and working efficiently".
Firstly, a fully enclosed compost bin is essential to secure the compost. John also suggested burying food scraps deep within the compost to help contain any smells.
His final piece of composting wisdom was regularly turning your compost to speed up decomposition and reduce odours.
Some gardening experts claim eggshells can be used safely outdoors if crushed and baked beforehand.
According to GardeningKnowHow, baking the shells helps eliminate any bacteria that might be present and makes them less attractive to pests. However, even with these precautions, there is still a risk that gardeners may prefer to avoid.
Instead, stick to other compostable materials less likely to attract rodents, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings.
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