A viral video showing rats swarming a garden has left people vowing to stop using the popular yard item – but experts say there are simple ways to deter rats without throwing everything away
Paige Freshwater Social Newsdesk Writer
16:55, 23 Apr 2026Updated 16:55, 23 Apr 2026
Rats are a common garden problem(Image: Paul Grace Photography Somersham via Getty Images)
Gardeners are vowing to abandon a popular garden accessory after witnessing how it attracts unwanted visitors to their outdoor spaces. The backlash was triggered by a viral clip depicting numerous rats congregating around a freestanding bird feeder, with several managing to climb up and gorge themselves on the seeds.
The property owner was so alarmed by the rodent gathering that they chose to remove the bird feeder entirely, deciding they’d rather forgo watching birds than contend with the vermin. However, one resourceful social media user suggested a clever remedy for those wishing to maintain their bird feeding while keeping rats away.
They revealed their trick: “I wiped the poll down with olive oil it was too slippery for these little buggers, they must have food else where they didn’t return.”
Yet another person expressed their disappointment: “I stopped feeding the birds because of rats, I was devastated.”
Sharing similar views, someone else commented: “This is why I don’t have one!”
A fourth person added: “That’s why I had to stop feeding the birds.”
Offering their own caution, another user said: “Stop feeding the birds, [it’s the rats] only there for food source.”
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According to Gardeners World, rats will consume everything from scattered birdseed and fruit to root crops such as potatoes and carrots.
They frequently establish nests beneath decking, within sheds or glasshouses, and even inside compost heaps or plant containers. To keep these unwanted visitors at bay, horticultural specialists advise maintaining a tidy garden, regularly repositioning items, blocking entry points to decking and outbuildings, and removing any standing water.
Their guidance concludes: “Rats are intelligent animals, but they are usually unwelcome visitors in our gardens. These common rodents are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases, including leptospirosis, which can lead to Weil’s disease.
“Rats are a common rodent in both the countryside and towns, so it’s not unlikely that you will see a rat in your garden at some point.
“To find out if you have a problem with rats, look for signs that they are living and feeding in your garden. If you find signs of rat infestation, take measures to discourage them (as mentioned above), such as removing all food sources. This should encourage rats to move elsewhere.
“The most humane way to get rid of rats is to deter them using the methods mentioned above.
“If you have tried all of these without any improvement or need to get rid of rats quickly, this may be the time to call a reputable pest control company.
“Putting down poison or traps in the garden yourself can be dangerous to other garden wildlife.”
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