Rats can be a serious pest in gardens, becoming attracted to the readily-available food source of vegetable patches, as well as the shelter of sheds and greenhouses. Apart from the general unpleasantness of having vermin scurrying around, rats can damage patios, decking, sheds, and even electrical wiring. This can lead to structural damage and potential safety hazards.
Rats may also carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets. Niall Gallagher of the British Pest Control Association told the i newspaper that gardeners can discourage rats in a number of different ways.
Firstly, by ensuring that any food waste is kept in secure bins, and cleaning up any kitchen scraps as soon as possible – including any leftover dog or cat food in your pets’ bowls. Secondly, you should pick up and dispose of any fruit that has fallen from trees.
Compost bins are a particular hotspot, Niall warns, providing both food and shelter for rats. They can be made less attractive to rodents by turning the compost regularly, for speedier decomposition, and trying to make them secure.
Weeds and undergrowth that have been allowed to become too overgrown can also become cosy habitats for vermin, Niall warns.
You can make rats feel unwelcome by planting mint, which has an unpleasant smell for them, as well as garlic.
If you spot a rat’s burrow – generally small three-inch holes near fences or borders – you can try infusing a few garlic gloves in water and spraying the liquid down the hole.
Other fragrant plants, such as basil, lavender, thyme, and echinacea can also form an effective barrier to prevent inquisitive rats from exploring your garden.
Rats are particularly fond of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, as well as fruits like apples, so keep an eye on any veg that you’re storing in sheds.
They will breed very readily too, so a small population can quickly grow if they find a welcoming environment with readily available food and shelter.
If you are spotting the tell-tale signs of a rat infestation, such burrows, gnaw-marks on garden furniture, droppings in greenhouses or outbuildings, or small bites taken out of stored food, it may already be too late for prevention and you should consider calling in a reputable pest-control company.
Otherwise, rats that have taken up residence in your garden will soon move on to the even cosier environment of your home, with all of the health hazards that this can entail.