As summer heats up, homeowners with garden decking are being warned about a simple but crucial task they shouldn’t overlook. Reports of garden infestations are climbing fast, with wasp and hornet nests on the rise, “by around 150%.” As we approach another heatwave, pests are seeking out shelter with garden decking being one of the biggest hotspots.
Experts at Decking Superstore warn that “rats, ants, foxes, and even snakes are increasingly seeking shelter in the cool, quiet void beneath garden decks.” No matter how clean your decking may seem, the expert has listed proactive steps gardeners must take to avoid an infestation this summer.
How to keep pests out
The expert stated, “Most pest issues under decking are completely preventable with some smart preparation. We always advise sealing entry points, keeping the area clear, and checking under the deck a few times during the season.”
The most crucial step is to check underneath the decking with a torch. Gardeners should look for signs of shredded material, movement or droppings.
“Just five minutes with a torch every few weeks is often enough to catch a problem early,” the decking expert added. Gardeners should then tidy the area, removing bins, logs, or clutter near or on the structure.
Homewoners should also avoid eating or leaving food scraps or crumbs nearby, including bird seeds and pet food. Next, gardeners should trim back any overgrown plants, as this provides cover for smaller pests.
The expert also urges sealing the gaps at entry points; timber trim or fine-gauge mesh is best to block access beneath the decking. Finally, apply pest-resistant wood treatments to deter insects and preserve the deck.
Signs you might have an infestation
- Strange, musty or urine-like smells
- Scratching or rustling sounds after dark
- Sagging, soft, or warped boards
- Droppings or shredded debris near gaps
- Increased wasp or insect activity around the perimeter
How to tell if you have a mouse or rat infestation
Rats and mice are opportunistic creatures that like to hide or burrow underneath your deck, porch, or shed due to colder weather or spring when nesting is needed for birth.
According to Solutions Pests and Lawns, “one of the most common ways to separate each pest is to examine their waste.” Mouse droppings are more sporadic in pattern, whereas rats will leave droppings along walls and sides underneath and above on porches, sheds, and decks.
“Mouse droppings are smooth with pointed ends and are dark to light brown colored, measuring about a quarter of an inch long. Rat droppings are black, pellet-shaped, and, depending on the species, have either blunted or pointed ends,” reported the pest expert.
To get rid of rats or mice under your decking, the expert urges you to place four to six baits inside a bait station and place it flat against the decking with the product entrance hole against the structure.
