Rats pose a frequent issue in UK gardens throughout autumn. Dropped fruit, bird feed and remaining crops such as potatoes and carrots provide ideal rat food, leading to a surge in rat numbers during this period.
Within gardens, they consume sweetcorn cobs, pumpkins and squash alongside various root crops, including carrot, parsnip, beetroot and potato tubers.
Beyond garden destruction, rats carry bacteria that causes a type of jaundice called leptospirosis or Weil’s disease.
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This bacterium spreads through rats’ urine and survives in damp conditions. People become infected through wounds and cuts or by swallowing contaminated material.
Evidence of a rat’s nest in gardens typically shows as an untidy pile or loosely shaped ball created from soft or torn materials.
These shelters are usually built using whatever can be found nearby, including twigs, dried leaves, grass, and moss, combined with artificial items such as paper, cardboard, or fabric scraps.
Rats are a common problem in UK gardens during autumn -Credit:Nigel Harris via Getty Images
Rats select materials offering warmth and protection, particularly in cooler weather. Experts suggest gardeners can take one simple action to eliminate rats from their garden, requiring no special products whatsoever.
Gardening specialists from GardenersWorld disclosed that “moving things around” the outdoor space could serve as a deterrent to prevent rats entering.
They explained: “Rats are ‘neo-phobic’, which means they have a fear of new things. They don’t like disruption to their territory, so place obstacles in their runs and move things around in the garden frequently.”
It’s thought that rats remain deeply wary of unknown objects, odours, or alterations to their environment. Should you position a fresh trap or bait, they might steer clear of it for several days until they deem it secure.
Beyond this, specialists have also recommended safeguarding your garden compost bin.
They said: “Make your compost bin or heap uninviting – don’t add meat, dairy or cooked food scraps and keep it moist (which rats don’t like) by including plenty of green and brown materials.
“Watering the heap regularly can also deter them. Fixing chicken wire around the base of the bin can also help, as it prevents rats from being able to dig their way in.
“Turn the heap regularly but bear in mind that other wildlife uses compost heaps too. If rats have made a home in your bin, don’t use the compost on edible crops.”
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