Compost bins

Sitter Questions, Advice & Chat
1

Hi sitters and hosts,

I have a question about compost bins. This is the second time I’ve encountered a household with a compost bin. The first compost bin I encountered was tall, without a lid, and didn’t have any aspects that particularly confused me. The second one I encountered is shorter and has a lid. I remember that on the first day, when the homeowner showed me the compost bin, there weren’t many insects inside. However, since I couldn’t get the lid to close properly, I just placed the lid on top of the bin. Now there are some flying insects inside.

But the most important thing is, I usually throw kitchen scraps into the compost bin at night, so I can’t see clearly. Today I went during the day and saw that there are toads inside. I don’t know how the toads got in there or how to get them out. I’m a bit scared to use the compost bin now. Can anyone share some tips or experiences on using compost bins? Thank you.

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I just make sure the lid is on tight, because decaying organic matter will naturally attract bugs and such. I’m currently on a sit with a countertop compost bin and an outdoor one. Both have lids and I haven’t encountered any problems with them. This is the second time I’ve done this sit, with those bins.

If you can’t see at night, then don’t put waste out then. Put whatever crap you have in a bag or pot or whatever meanwhile and stick it in the fridge till daytime, when you can see. Then dispose of it.

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I’d not worry too much about the toads - if they got in they can probably get out. If you get them out they’ll get back in again. They are probably attracted by all the beasties that are part of the composting process.

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Were Toads listed in the responsibilities section? What did it say about their care in the Welcome Guide? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:
Have you named them?

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Toads make great compost :laughing:

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6

Or you might see if they are edible. Try the recipes for cuisses de grenouille, kind of the same thing. Maybe…

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7

Oooh no. Toads have a poison that is toxic which they secrete through glands on their skin and can kill a dog or cat quickly and make a human very, very sick. I know you were probably not serious though :wink:

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I think it depends on the type of toad - in the uk our toads are poisonous to dogs & cats but I’m not sure they are dangerous to humans.

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@DianeS yes agreed. Depending on the country of origin, but from what I know they can cause eye and skin irritation in humans. Our cane toads are disgusting and some are the size of a small cat, gross :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes::stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:

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10

Touchwood is a good name for a toad :smiley:. Anyone here old enough to get that reference?

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11

Yep, touch wood I remember :grin:

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