Rats are a more common problem than many understand and particularly attracted to gardens. Thankfully, one wildlife expert has shared tips on how to deter these pests.
Rats, often associated with dark alleyways and underground sewers, are more prevalent than you might imagine. These resilient creatures frequently visit gardens in search of food and shelter.
It’s important to remember that they are one of the largest carriers of potential diseases and can be difficult pests to eradicate. A property with a severe infestation could take up to a staggering three months to clear.
To safeguard your garden, James Ewens, a wildlife expert from Green Feathers, has offered advice on how to deter rats and prevent them from settling in your garden. It comes after UK households were issued a warning if they have Nescafé coffee in kitchen.
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The primary reason rats enter your garden is due to food sources. Bird feeders that drop seeds onto the ground are one of the main culprits.
To deter rats from being attracted to bird feed, replace standard bird feeders with squirrel and rat-proof ones. Since birds are messy eaters, ensure they have a fitted tray that catches any falling seeds, leaving no leftovers for the pesky rats.
Compost is another food source for rats. While they are excellent resources for various insects and your soil, they can also become an all-you-can-eat buffet for rodents. Never put cooked food in the compost, and if you suspect rats are visiting your garden, stop putting raw food in there too.
Lastly, if you keep your food in an outbuilding, ensure it’s stored securely. For added protection, use chicken wire or metal plates to guarantee they can’t get in under any circumstances.
If you leave food out for other garden creatures, do so in the open. Rats prefer to stay hidden when feeding, so relocate your feeding station to the centre of the garden, reports the Express.
David Denyer, a flower expert, has shared a more proactive approach to deterring rats: planting lavender. Lavender is a fragrant herb known for its calming and relaxing properties but it is also a great rat repellent.
While the smell is lovely and pleasant to people, rats dislike the strong scent. They have very sensitive noses and will try to stay away from areas they consider to have a repulsive scent.
According to Denyer: “Lavender is a lovely purple herb,” but it’s not just the beauty of it that makes it a good plant to have in your garden. He added: “The lavender’s strong smell will stop the rats from smelling any potential food in the garden, making it a zone of no interest to them.”
If you plant lavender in your garden, it can grow up to 60 cm tall with grey-green leaves and purple-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. It can be planted in pots, borders, or beds and can also be used as a hedge or ground cover.
