Renting a roll-off dumpster is an excellent way to store and haul trash from building cleanouts, renovations, and construction sites. Unfortunately, keeping the unit on-site can attract unwanted pests. Even though your bin rental is likely temporary, you don’t want critters to stick around the property once the trash is removed. Consider these tips to keep animals out of a roll-off dumpster.

How to Keep Animals Away From a Roll-Off Dumpster

1. Use a Cover

Keep the dumpster covered when you’re not actively using it, like overnight. This will help prevent some critters from hanging around it. 

If your rental doesn’t come with a lid, cover the exposed top with a tarp and secure it with cords or zip ties. Though this method is not likely to stop large animals, like raccoons, from entering the roll-off, it can be effective at keeping mosquitoes and flies away from the trash. 

2. Don’t Use the Roll Off for Food Disposal

Though it’s tempting to throw all trash away in a roll-off dumpster, you should leave food waste for your standard garbage removal service. This kind of garbage attracts animals and insects, like maggots, mice, skunks, and raccoons. Even something as simple as a candy wrapper can entice critters. Once they see your trash site as a food source, they will likely stick around, even after the roll-off is hauled away.

3. Place Dumpster on Concrete

When your container arrives, you should ask the dumpster rental company to place it on a concrete or asphalt surface, not grass. Rodents and insects can build nests under the roll-off if it’s placed on the lawn. It can be challenging to get rid of them once they nest, even after the dumpster is gone. Putting the bin on a solid surface removes potential nesting and hiding places, keeping your area pest- and critter-free.

If you need a roll-off dumpster to haul away trash and debris, turn to Bin There Dump That — Cincinnati South. This independent, family-owned trash, garbage, and junk removal service serves Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky residents. They offer convenient dumpster rentals of various sizes and accommodate clients who need hauling services from tight spaces. Visit them online to learn more about their options and pricing, and call (513) 732-2467 to speak to a friendly team member about your needs.