Rats love to make their home in our gardens. Since COVID-19 we’ve seen a continuous increase in rats invading our garden. That’s why rat control is so important to maintaining a healthy home. Here are some tips on how to get rid of rats in the garden.
What should you do if you notice rats in your garden?
If you have rats in your garden, it’s important to take action promptly to prevent them from entering your home or causing damage to your outdoor space. Here is a quick summary of some steps you can take:
1. Identify the Problem
- Signs of Infestation: Look for droppings, burrows, gnaw marks, and tracks. Rats are nocturnal, so you might also hear scurrying sounds at night.
- Locate Nesting Areas: Check under sheds, compost piles, dense vegetation, or any areas that provide shelter.
2. Remove Food and Water Sources
- Secure Rubbish: Ensure rubbish bins are tightly sealed and not easily accessible to rats.
- Clean Up: Remove fallen fruit, birdseed, and pet food. Make sure to clean up any food scraps or waste that might attract rats.
- Water Sources: Remove standing water, like in birdbaths or containers, that could be a water source for rats.
3. Eliminate Shelter
- Trim Vegetation: Rats love hiding in tall grass, shrubs, and overgrown areas. Keep your garden tidy by trimming plants and cutting back thick vegetation.
- Seal Gaps: Check fences and walls for gaps or holes that could serve as entry points for rats. Seal up any cracks or crevices you find.
4. Use Traps
- Traps: These are an effective and humane way to capture rats. Place them along walls or areas where you’ve seen signs of rats.
- Baiting: Use peanut butter, dried fruit, or other foods as bait on the traps.
5. Rodent-Proof Structures
- Seal Holes in Buildings: If rats are getting into your shed or home, make sure to seal any entry points, including gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
- Secure Compost Bins: If you compost, make sure your bin is rodent-proof or at least not easily accessible to rats.
6. Rodenticides (Use with Caution)
- If the infestation is severe, you may consider using rodenticides, but it’s essential to use them carefully. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider the safety of pets, children, and local wildlife.
- You might also consider hiring a professional pest control service, like us if the problem persists.
7. Contact us
- If you’re unsure about how to handle the situation or if the infestation is large, it’s best to contact us. we can assess the extent of the problem and help implement a safe and effective solution.
Taking these steps will help reduce the chances of a rat infestation in your garden and prevent further problems in the future.
Here are a few key suggestions we’d recommend…
Temporarily stop feeding birds
Rats often like to feed on grain left out for the birds and will rely on what falls on the floor. Removing this source of food for them you’ll make your garden a less attractive feeding ground for your unwanted visitors and will start to get rid of rats from your garden.
Keep the garden tidy
Keeping a nice and tidy garden will limit the places for rats and mice to hide. They like the cover, so cutting the grass and removing any overgrown flowers or bushes will limit their options for making a home.
Making it easier to get rid of rats from your garden.
How to get rid of rats from the garden – Have a move around
Rats have what is called neo-phobia. This means that they have a fear of things moving. So if you want to get rid of rats from the garden the best thing to do is have a little move around more often. By placing pots in their runway, you will begin to discourage them from making a home in your garden.
Block entry points
Rats will tend to make a home underneath a shed or decking. To get rid of rats from the garden we advise customers to fill any gaps in entry points. These spaces are perfect for rats, they’re sheltered and hard to reach. If you continue to see activity here you could consider installing a patio. Or fitting a kick plate to the bottom of your shed door to keep them out.
Secure your compost bin
Compost bins are easy pickings for rats in the garden, it’s a constant food source often with easy access. The best thing to do is to avoid adding food waste to your heap. Adding plenty of green and brown materials. They also really don’t like dampness, so regular watering of your compost bin or heap will help get rid of rats from the garden.
Check on your crops
You put all your effort into growing your own food, only for rats to feast on it before you have a chance. Keep an eye on your crops to identify if you have rats in your garden.
Cut off any water access for them
Like with all species water is vital. But removing access to a dripping tap or drain will help you on your way to getting rid of rats from the garden.
If all of that doesn’t work call in pest control. We’re here to help you get rid of rats from the garden and avoid them getting into your home. Call today to book your treatment call us today on 07970749482.
Rats making their way into your home… If you fear the rats in your garden are finding their way into your home, here’s what you can do to control rats and ensure they don’t make a home in your house.