Composters

[louann65]

I didn't see an answer under composters. I have moved to the NW part of Dallas, TX, USA in an older neighborhood. The lawn needs a lot of work. I do want to do xeriscape with natural plants. Right now I want to buy a composter. I had a natural pile at the back of our 1 1/2 acre place just outside SE San Antonio. However, here as I piled my kitchen scraps among pulled weeds, some grass clippings, etc. etc., my recently visiting daughter informed me I had a visiting rat among other critters. Can anyone advise me on a composter that will work? I would like one in which I could continually add kitchen and lawn material. I'm not sure if that is possible. I've been looking on line but find so many different styles and brands mind boggling. I would appreciate any information in this area. I did do mostly organic in SA. My husband occasionally used chemicals behind my back on fire ants when my homemade remedies didn't make a dent in the population. His didn't do much better either.
This is my first ever forum entry. I don't always navigate my way around computer sites well. I don't even know if I posted this correctly. I just wanted to ask a question not begin a new poll.

[Tricky Grama]

I think there are several examples of composting on the 'composting' forum but don't know how many of us have enclosed models like you are speaking of. Seems like most prefer the on-the-ground-open ones.

There are rats in our neighborhood, no-not mice-and I think it's more from bird seed than compost piles.

Those who I have talked to that used the contained method-barrels that turn, etc, have said they prefer the on the ground ones.

Patty