Experts at Garden Buildings Direct are encouraging people to try some simple hacks, such as closing any potential entry points and removing food sources to keep rats away from their gardens.
While rats tend to breed between March and October, they said they are most active between September and November.
During their active periods, rats like to get into homes, gardens and sheds as they search for food to stockpile for the winter, say the experts.
How to keep rats away from your home and garden during rodent season
Eliminate entry points
The experts advise homeowners to seal up any entry points to outbuildings, sheds and gardens that could be used by rats.
It’s also worth looking out for cracks in walls and fences, which will need repairing as soon as possible.
Clear away all food
If you have things like wildflower seeds or animal food around your garden, this can attract rats and other rodents to your outbuildings.
The experts advise that anyone with bird food or seeds in their shed should either remove it completely or store it securely.
You should also keep all food off the ground and transfer into airtight containers.
Review your crops
While keeping rats away from your garden crops can be difficult, you can keep an eye on your vegetable patches for any signs of nibbling.
The experts suggest putting crops securely inside your home as soon as they have been harvested.
Rats will be looking for somewhere to nest for the winter(Image: Getty)
Remove nesting sites
If you’ve got clutter in outbuildings or your garden, rats and mice can see this as something they can use for shelter and to make nests.
To help keep them away, a good tidy up and declutter could mean your space is less appealing to rodents.
Keep it clean
Make sure you keep your garden and outbuildings clean so rodents aren’t attracted to them.
If things have spilt or you’ve left crumbs or rubbish lying around, rodents will take this as their invitation to make themselves at home.
Reduce water sources
Rats need to have access to water so it’s important that you reduce any water sources in your garden by improving drainage.
You should also avoid letting any water pool on any outdoor furniture or coverings during rainfall.
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When are wild rats most active?
The RSPCA shares: “Rodents are naturally active at night, although when they live near humans they’re more likely to come out during the day too.
“They’re great climbers and swimmers, so they can live in a variety of habitats.”
It explained: “Mice and rats aren’t fussy, and they’ll eat almost anything! Their favourite foods are seeds and cereals, which is why they’re often attracted to bird food that spills onto the grass.
“But they will also eat insects, meat, fish, fruits, nuts, berries, plants, vegetables, fungi, and eggs.”
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