Rats are a common garden pest, and they can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve settled in – but there are a few things you can do to prevent them from entering your garden in the first place
Rats, typically associated with grimy alleyways and subterranean sewers, are more prevalent than you might anticipate. These hardy creatures often frequent gardens in pursuit of food and shelter – and once they’ve claimed your garden as their own, they can be a challenge to evict.
It’s crucial to remember that rats are among the most significant carriers of potential diseases. Once they’ve made themselves at home, they are troublesome pests to eliminate.
A property suffering from a severe infestation could take an astonishing three months to cleanse.
To protect your garden, James Ewens, a wildlife expert from Green Feathers, has provided guidance on how to discourage rats and prevent them from making your garden their home.
How to deter rats from your garden
The primary reason rats invade your garden is due to available food sources. Bird feeders that scatter seeds onto the ground are one of the main offenders.
To stop rats being drawn to bird feed, swap standard bird feeders with squirrel and rat-proof ones.
And, given that birds are messy eaters, ensure they have a fitted tray that catches any falling seeds, leaving no scraps for the pesky rats.
While compost is a fantastic resource for various insects and soil, it can also become a free-for-all feast for rodents, including rats.
Never put cooked food in the compost, and if you suspect rats are visiting your garden, also stop putting raw food in there.
Finally, if you store your food in an outbuilding, make sure it’s kept securely closed.
For extra security, use chicken wire or metal plates to ensure they can’t gain access under any circumstances.
If you leave food out for other garden animals, do so in the open. Rats prefer to stay hidden when feeding, so move your feeding station to the middle of the garden.
