The simple changes can stop rats coming into your garden, and they don’t involve any traps or poisons
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Journalist
15:07, 03 Apr 2026
Rats are drawn to one area of the garden the most(Image: Paul Grace Photography Somersham via Getty Images)
Alan Titchmarsh has shared his two straightforward changes every gardener should make to keep rats at bay. Rats are a frequent nuisance in gardens, particularly now that spring has arrived.
As conditions improve, many households wish to spend more time outside. However, spring marks the peak breeding season for rats and mice.
They’re seeking shelter and food. Rats see our gardens as prime locations for snacks and perfect nesting sites, especially if you have a compost heap.
Gardening expert Alan explained in a video for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “The place they love more than anywhere else in the garden is the compost heap. Mainly because of the heat generated by all this rotting vegetation.
“They can burrow into it and they’ve got a central heated house.” Alan outlined two changes you can make to your compost heap to render it far less appealing to rats.
Compost heaps can attract rats(Image: Iuliia Bondar via Getty Images)
He stated you need to make conditions “less comfortable” for the rodents. To achieve this, Alan advised starting with the compost heap structure itself.
It should be a robust construction with minimal gaps. Alan’s personal compost heap is constructed from solid timber with steel sheeting lining the inside.
As reported by reports the Mirror, he explained: “Hopefully that goes right down to the ground. They can burrow underneath it, but I am really reducing their ability to get in with ease. That’s a start, make the heap with good, strong sides.”
Alan’s next piece of advice concerns what should go into the compost heap. “Don’t put processed food, anything you have cooked, any meat, any potatoes,” he urged.
“Don’t do that because it’s just an absolute open invitation for rats.” Instead, Alan recommends adding mouldy apples, as they decompose rapidly, along with any green garden clippings.
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He noted that lawn mowing clippings can also be added to the compost heap, but emphasised the importance of mixing all the compost materials together.
The compost heap isn’t the only garden feature that can attract rats. Alan previously revealed how bird feeders can be luring rats into your garden.
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.”
To prevent this from occurring, Alan recommended relocating the bird feeder to the centre of your lawn, as rats are reluctant to cross open spaces. Ensure the feeders are kept well away from bushes, hedges or walls.
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