No one likes rats in your garden, but there could be one thing that could be attracting these rodents which gardeners urge to remove as soon as possible to deter the rodents away
Having rats in your garden is not a good sign. Whilst it may seem like our homes are safe from pests, there is one thing that could actually attract them to our homes more than we think.
A common issue with rats invading homes is that they are easily able to access leftover food. According to Tornado Pest Control, Bird feeders are common in homes in gardens and can be a main contributor to the unwanted visitors.
Bird feeders may seem like a random attraction but they actually are an easily accessible source of food for the rodents. When the winter months occur the rats are prone to the feeders more as their food supply decreases massively.
To fix the problem it’s important that birdseeds are stored properly. Rodent-proof containers, like metal containers, are great ways to help stop the issue. Other alternatives are trays or baffles, which are coned-shaped pieces of plastic or metal that can be put on the feeder to stop the rodents from entering.
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Naturally, keeping your garden clean and as clutter-free as possible is the best way to stop rats being attracted to your garden. These rodents are usually nesting in sheds, or greenhouses, under decking and compost heaps. It’s easy to miss them as they are usually nocturnal.
If you’re unsure as to whether you have a rat problem, signs are rat droppings around, which are dark and about 10-14mm long. Other signs include an ammonia-like smell, claw masks, and sighting of nesting material which is like shredding paper.
Gardening experts at Primrose have instead shared three natural, yet “effective” methods to permanently rid gardens of rats, reports the Express. Rats have “one of the best senses of smell in the animal kingdom”, even better than dogs, according to the experts.
They explained: “When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders to effectively deter rats from your garden due to their potency. Peppermint oil, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form are all smells that rats will dislike.” Having a few drops of this oil can deter the rats away, especially if you dip cotton wool in the oil and stick it where the pests are.
Offering advice, Paul Blackhurst, head of technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said: “Encountering a rat in your home can be unsettling, but there are effective steps you can take to prevent these pests from becoming a larger problem. Rats thrive in warm, sheltered environments with easy access to food, so reducing their access to these is key.
He continued: “Start by sealing any gaps, holes or cracks in exterior doors and walls, and keep vegetation trimmed around your property.
Ensure drains are well maintained, secure outdoor bins with tightly fitting lids and avoid storing items like firewood too close to your home, as these can make a perfect hiding place for rats.”
“Rats are good climbers and will happily inhabit loft spaces, so it’s crucial to keep your roof in good condition. If possible, declutter your loft area and use plastic or metal storage boxes instead of cardboard to minimise potential nesting materials,” he ended.