Gardeners have been warned to be vigilant after a survey found that one in three people have seen a rat in their garden in the past year. Here are some top tips to keep them away
Rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans(Image: Amith Nag Photography via Getty Images)
Rats can pose a significant nuisance in gardens, drawn by the easy access to food from vegetable patches and the shelter provided by sheds and greenhouses. Beyond the general discomfort of having rodents scurrying about, rats can wreak havoc on patios, decking, sheds, and even electrical wiring, leading to structural damage and potential safety risks.
Moreover, rats can carry diseases and parasites that pose a threat to humans and pets. Niall Gallagher from the British Pest Control Association told the i newspaper several ways gardeners can deter rats.
Firstly, by ensuring all food waste is securely stored in bins and promptly cleaning up any kitchen scraps – this includes any leftover pet food in your dog or cat’s bowls. Secondly, fallen fruit should be picked up and disposed of immediately.
Compost bins are a particular favourite for rats, providing both food and shelter, warns Niall.
These can be made less appealing to rodents by regularly turning the compost for quicker decomposition and securing them as much as possible.
Rats can quickly damage decking and outbuildings(Image: Getty)
Overgrown weeds and undergrowth can also become comfortable habitats for vermin, Niall cautions.
Planting mint, which has an unpleasant odour for rats, as well as garlic, can help make your garden less inviting to these pests.
If you notice a rat’s burrow – typically small three-inch holes near fences or borders – you might try infusing a few garlic cloves in water and spraying the liquid down the hole.
Other aromatic plants, such as basil, lavender, thyme, and echinacea can also create an effective barrier to deter curious rats from exploring your garden.
Composts heaps are invaluable for gardeners – but welcoming for rats(Image: Getty)
Rats have a particular fondness for root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, as well as fruits like apples, so keep a watchful eye on any veg that you’re storing in sheds.
They breed very readily too, so a small population can rapidly expand if they find a hospitable environment with easy access to food and shelter.
If you are noticing the unmistakable signs of a rat infestation, such as burrows, gnaw-marks on garden furniture, droppings in greenhouses or outbuildings, or small bites taken out of stored food, it may already be too late for prevention and you should consider contacting a reputable pest-control company.
Otherwise, rats that have settled in your garden will soon move on to the even more comfortable environment of your home, bringing with them all the health risks that this can involve.
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