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Rats in the Garden

Discover effective methods on how to get rid of rats in the garden. Learn how to deal with rats in the  garden! 

Rats in the Gardens:

Rats can be unwelcome visitors in our gardens; they are generally considered vermin, spreading potentially serious diseases such as Leptospirosis which can lead to Weil’s disease. Rats can find shelter under decking, in sheds/greenhouses/compost heaps, etc.

rats in the garden

Rats tend to be nocturnal animals and therefore it’s hard to spot them during the day, but you should still be on the lookout for signs that indicate their presence. Keep an eye out for signs such as their tunnels (6-9 cm in diameter), runs (tracks alongside walls, fences, or buildings that can reach 10cm wide), cylindrical droppings around 15mm long by 5mm wide as well as signs such as chewed wood (especially near food storage facilities) or parallel teeth marks in crops as telltale indicators.

How to get rid of rats in the garden?

How to get rid of rats in the garden?

Rats need food, water, and shelter to survive; by eliminating at least one of these elements from your garden or allotment you’ll reduce their chance of staying there.

1. Stop feeding wild birds and animals through bird feeders.

Rats feed on grain, which they may find attracted to your garden through dropped seeds from bird feeders. If you suspect rats may be visiting, stop feeding the birds immediately and secure chicken runs as soon as possible; additionally, store all animal food safely.

2. Cut Long Grass

Tidy gardens are less likely to attract rats as they provide less cover. Keep grass short, clear cluttered storage areas, remove rubbish, and reduce overgrown areas in particular near fences or garden buildings.

3. Move things around

Rats can be fearful of new things; therefore it is advisable to place obstacles in their runs and make changes frequently in their garden to reduce any disruptions they might experience.

4. Deck Access Blockers

Wooden decking in a garden Rats love nesting beneath decking as it provides them with shelter and food scraps can fall between its planks, providing easy access to any potential nest sites. After alfresco meals, make sure to sweep away any fallen food before blocking access if possible or installing a patio instead if the problem continues.

5. Block Access to Garden Buildings

Block the entry points for the rats that can be any holes in the walls, floors and doors of your garden buildings tightly.

6. Protect Your Compost Bin

Make your bin or heap uninviting to rats by not adding food scraps and keeping it moist by including plenty of green and brown materials that retain moisture, such as adding lots of greenery or watering it regularly. Fixing chicken wire around the base of your bin may help as this prevents rats from digging under it to climb in. You should turn your compost pile regularly but remember that other wildlife use compost heaps too; if rats have made themselves comfortable in it, do not use its contents on edible crops as this may give them access.

7. Keep an eye on crops

There’s not much you can do to stop rats in the garden  from feasting on your crops. They love sweetcorn, pumpkins, squash, root vegetables, and apples. Once harvested, store your harvests somewhere safe – if there’s evidence of nibbled crops don’t eat them! Also store seeds safely.

8. Remove Water sources 

A properly maintained garden tap may help deter rats. While it would not be wise to eliminate all sources of water sources – like bird baths and garden ponds – rats require, eliminating other sources like dripping taps can help deter these creatures. Secure drains and add baffles as additional measures against rats.

9. Encourage predators

Rats make up a major component of a fox’s diet, so providing enough space for them in your garden or allotment to live is also recommended. Pets may help deter rats by being disruptive forces within your space – making it less likely that rats stay put!

10. Control Rats in the Garden

As an absolute last resort, you may consider taking stronger measures to control rats in your garden. Take these steps only after all other methods have failed as poison can harm wildlife in and outside of your garden as well as entering the wider environment. First, identify where rats are living and their feeding routes through neighboring gardens as well. Traps and poisons are sold at garden centers but should always be used according to label directions; alternatively, contact your local council or professional pest controller instead for guidance or support.

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