Why Rats Love Bins

Rats in bins are a common sight across Oxfordshire. At Shire Pest Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how poor bin maintenance can invite rats into waste areas. Whether it’s a missing drain plug or a broken lid, these issues allow rodents easy access to food and shelter.

How Rats Get Into Commercial Bins

Rats can slip through gaps as small as 20mm and climb almost any surface. Large commercial bins, especially outdoors, often wear down over time. This creates gaps around:

• Broken or missing drain plugs
• Lids damaged by overfilling or mishandling

Once inside, rats will return – often bringing others. Read more in our guide on Preventing Rodent Issues Year-Round in Didcot and Wallingford.

Why Missing Drain Plugs Are a Big Problem

Most business bins include a removable drain plug for liquid waste. When that plug is missing, it creates a ground-level entry point for rats. We’ve seen this across Didcot and Wallingford, where infestations often begin unnoticed. Rats chew around the opening, slip inside, and nest.

The Dangers of Open or Broken Bin Lids

Overfilling causes lids to stay open. Damaged hinges or warped edges do the same. Both let smells escape and attract rats. They’ll climb up fences, walls or even other bins to gain entry. Learn how to spot early warning signs in our article Signs of a Rodent Infestation You Shouldn’t Ignore.

Other Reasons Rats Are Drawn to Bins

Food smells – not just visible food – attract rats in bins. We often find:

• Dripping liquid food waste
• Grease on bin lids or handles
• Overflowing bags left beside bins
• Neglected bin areas

Combined, these elements create the perfect rat haven. For more tips, visit our blog on Seasonal Pest Problems in Didcot and Wallingford.

New Food Waste Laws Every Business Must Know

As of 31st March 2025, new UK regulations require food-producing businesses to store waste separately. Any business with over 10 staff – or producing more than 5kg of food waste per week – must:

• Use separate bins for food waste
• Ensure collections are carried out by licensed providers
• Label and seal containers correctly

The goal? To reduce improper waste handling – the top cause of rats in bins.

Why Rats Around Bins Spell Trouble

Seeing a rat near your bins should raise alarm. These rodents:

• Contaminate storage areas
• Chew bin linings and packaging
• Spread diseases like salmonella and leptospirosis
• Put your hygiene rating and reputation at risk

Read more about rat activity in our article How to Spot a Hidden Rat Nest on Your Property.

How Your Business Can Keep Rats Out

You can stop rats in bins with a few simple steps:

• Inspect bins weekly for damage
• Replace missing drain plugs promptly
• Ensure bin lids close fully – avoid overfilling
• Clean the outside of bins regularly
• Arrange additional waste collections if needed
• Keep bin areas tidy, well-lit and uncluttered
• Install metal bin cages or secure enclosures

In problem areas, we recommend motion-activated devices or bait stations. If flies are also a problem, read our guide on Stop the Swarm: How to Prevent Flies Breeding Near Your Home and Garden.

Final Thoughts

Rats in bins are more than an eyesore – they’re a clear sign of poor waste practices. A small fault like a cracked lid or missing plug can quickly turn into a full infestation. Add food waste and you’re rolling out the welcome mat for rodents.

New legislation now makes proper bin use a legal obligation. Shire Pest Solutions helps Oxfordshire businesses stay compliant, rodent-free, and inspection-ready.

If your bins show signs of rat activity, don’t wait. Get in touch with our team today and take control before rats take over.