If you want to attract rodents to your home, leave food out, provide shelter, and give them easy access.

If you don’t, your trash habits matter more than you think.

Garbage is one of the primary reasons rodents settle around homes. The good news? Small changes in how you store, place, and maintain your trash can make a big difference in preventing infestations.

Why Trash Management Matters

Rodents like rats and mice are opportunistic. They’re constantly searching for three things: food, water, and shelter. Garbage provides all three in one convenient location.

Poor trash practices don’t just invite a passing rodent, they can support entire populations living around your property.

So the goal isn’t just “cleaner cans.” The goal is to remove access, reduce attraction, and eliminate hiding spots.

Choosing the Right Garbage Can

Not all trash cans are created equal.

Many counties, including Manatee County, provide large, lidded carts—often referred to as “Big Bins”—designed specifically to reduce wildlife and pest access.

Key takeaway from “Big Bin” programs:

• The bin only works if the lid is fully closed
• Overfilled carts defeat the purpose
• Proper use is just as important as the container itself

What to look for your other cans:

• Tight-fitting lids – No gaps or warping
• Durable materials – Heavy-duty plastic or metal
• Animal-resistant designs – Locking or snap lids
• No cracks or holes – Easy entry points for rodents

What to avoid:

• Broken lids or loose covers
• Thin plastic cans that can be chewed through
• Open bins or bags left exposed

Placement: Where You Put Trash Matters. One of the most common mistakes is placing garbage cans right next to the house or by an outside door.

Best practices:

Avoid placing them:

• Next to the garage doors
• Near AC units
• Against exterior walls
• Near compost areas
• Store cans on a hard, clean surface (not in dense vegetation)

Why this matters:

Rodents use objects like trash cans as stepping stones and hiding spots. Keeping distance reduces the chance they make their way indoors.

Keep It Clean: Washing Garbage Cans 

Even if your trash is sealed, odors linger, and rodents can smell them easily.

Routine cleaning helps:

• Reduce odors that attract pests
• Remove food residue buildup
• Limit bacteria and insect activity

How often? At least monthly, more often in warm weather.

How to clean:

• Rinse out loose debris
• Scrub with soap or a mild disinfectant
• Let dry completely before reuse

Clean the Area Around the Can

The space around your trash is just as important as the can itself.

Common issues:

• Spilled food
• Grease buildup
• Fallen trash from overfilled bins

Prevention tips:

• Pick up loose debris regularly
• Sweep or hose down the area
• Avoid overfilling cans (lids should fully close)

Think of it this way: Even a small spill can feed rodents repeatedly.

Bag It Right. Loose trash is easily accessible.

Best practices:

• Always use sealed garbage bags
• Double-bag food waste if needed
• Avoid placing unbagged food directly in cans
• Timing and Routine

Rodents are creatures of habit—and your routine can either help or hurt.

Helpful habits:

• Take trash out close to pickup day
• Avoid letting garbage sit outside for long periods
• Keep lids closed at all times

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Leaving lids open “just for a bit”
• Storing trash against the house
• Ignoring small spills or residue
• Using damaged or ineffective containers

These small habits are often what lead to big problems.

Rodent prevention starts long before you see a rodent.

You’re removing one of the biggest attractants on your property by:

• Choosing the right containers
• Placing them strategically
• Keeping them clean
• Managing the surrounding area

For more information contact michelleatkinson@ufl.edu