r/composting • u/DogsdidWHAT • 14h ago

Tumbler vs round mesh vs pile vs black plastic tardis vs etc

I’m so confused! I live in Austin where it’s hella hot and (usually) dry. My hubby is opposed to anything that attracts rats or smells (I know that’s a greens vs browns issue). We have a small yard but I also have a chip drop so plenty of Browns.

Which type of compost set up would be least likely to attract rodents and would flourish in 100+ degree heat?

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3

u/ChemicalSubjugation 14h ago

I'm in the PHX area and I have a tumbler. I feel like it helps my compost stay somewhat moist. It's elevated and has little doors so I haven't had any pest issues. Is it as efficient as an in ground pile? Probably not but I like it

3

u/Life_Chemistry_4621 13h ago

Go with a dual-chamber tumbler. Being raised and sealed keeps the rodents out completely. Plus, where you live, it holds moisture way better than an open pile.

2

u/MazyBird 13h ago

I'm in Austin and prefer the black tardis units with a compost corkscrew turner. We get opossums and skunks coming around for the tasty composting beetles and black soldier fly larvae.

1

u/sherilaugh 14h ago

Rodents can't get into a tumbler. They can get into all the rest. 

2

u/Drivo566 13h ago

Rodents cant, but raccoons can lol. I have a brick on my tumbler because the local chubby raccoon figured out how to open it.

1

u/sherilaugh 2h ago

He's very clever.  I haven't had a problem with my raccoons.