Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh said there’s one common garden item that’s a ‘magnet’ for rats
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Reporter and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
07:24, 28 Mar 2026
Rats pose a widespread challenge in gardens, and with spring now upon us, the problem is set to intensify. As temperatures rise, many households will be keen to spend more time outdoors.
However, spring marks the peak breeding period for rats and mice. They’re famished and hunting for shelter, and they recognise that our gardens can offer perfect nesting locations and sustenance.
Infestations can turn into a nightmare to eliminate and prove expensive to tackle. It’s crucial to ensure rats don’t take control, and Alan Titchmarsh has some essential guidance, reports the Mirror. The gardening guru highlighted one activity that gardeners adore doing which could actually be luring rats in.
lan suggests keeping bird feeders in the middle of a garden(Image: scu)
Feeding birds can entice rats into the garden, as they’re equally keen to feast on their food. Alan said: “Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But, they can also be a magnet for rats.”
Fortunately, you can prevent rats from targeting the bird food and entering your garden. Alan explained it’s entirely down to where you place your bird feeder.
He said: “The key to success with them is to position in the open, in the middle of your lawn. Rats hate running through exposed areas. If you put your bird feeder alongside a hedge or wall, that’s great as they have shelter and they rush out and grab what they want and rush back.”
Alan advised positioning your bird feeder right in the centre of your garden, away from bushes, hedges and walls. This will also provide you with a better view of the birds when they come to feed.
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The gardener emphasised: “So, in an open space is by far the best place for a bird feeder. Then, you shouldn’t have the rat problem.”
Alan has another suggestion that can help deter rats from entering the garden, in addition to the placement of the bird feeder. He recommends not leaving any bird food out overnight.
Alan said: “Put it out first thing in the morning.”
He acknowledged that some gardeners might be worried about this advice, as birds tend to eat early in the day. However, he assured that it won’t pose a problem for the birds as they can simply wait.
Alan added: “If you have had a rat problem, they can wait half an hour before you put it out. That way, you’ll enjoy the garden birds and hopefully not a rat in sight.”
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