Rats are a common problem in gardens but one change can stop them coming back.
Mia O’Hare Showbiz Reporter
02:34, 15 Apr 2026
Rats are a common garden problem(Image: Ian_Redding via Getty Images)
Rats are a widespread nuisance in gardens throughout the UK, and knowing how to deal with them can be a real challenge. Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has offered his own practical advice to help prevent the creatures from taking up residence in your outdoor space.
This period of the year is particularly favourable for rats, as it falls right in the middle of their prime breeding season. They are also actively seeking out food and shelter, with our gardens proving to be an appealing destination for both.
Fortunately, one straightforward change could make your garden far less inviting to rats. Alan recommends that gardeners keep their lawns closely trimmed, leaving the creatures with nowhere to hide.
He said in a video of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “Rats are furtive. They like cover and shelter. They do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer.”
Keep your lawn short(Image: Elena Medoks via Getty Images)
Simply staying on top of your lawn mowing can make a considerable difference in deterring rats from venturing into your garden. Alan added: “If you have got long grass everywhere, that gives them access.
“Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see, no rats.”
The expert has also previously highlighted how the positioning of bird feeders can inadvertently attract rats to 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, Alan recommended relocating the bird feeder to the centre of your lawn, as rats are reluctant to cross open ground. Position the feeders well away from bushes, hedges or walls, reports the Mirror.
If you have a compost heap, it can also prove highly attractive to rats. The heaps should be solidly constructed with minimal gaps. Alan’s own compost heap is built from solid timber with steel sheeting lining the interior.
He said: “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 stressed the importance of being selective about what goes into the compost heap.
He said: “Don’t put processed food, anything you have cooked, any meat, any potatoes.
“Don’t do that because it’s just an absolute open invitation for rats.” Instead, Alan advises adding mouldy apples as they decompose rapidly, along with any green clippings from the garden.
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