While rodents have been scurrying around the UK all year, it’s officially rodent season and a gardening expert is warning homeowners to take steps to keep them away from their gardens.
Experts at Garden Buildings Direct are encouraging people to try some simple hacks such as closing any potential entry points and removing food sources to keep rats away from their gardens.
They said rats tend to breed between March and October and are most active between September and November.
The experts said that during their active periods, rats like to infest homes, garages and sheds as they search for food to stockpile for the winter.
How to keep rats away from your home and garden during rodent season
Eliminate entry points
The experts advise homeowners to seal up any entry points to outbuildings, sheds and gardens that could be used by rats.
It’s also worth looking out for cracks in walls and fences which will need repairing as soon as possible.
Clear away all food
If you have things like wildflower seeds or animal food around your garden, this can attract rats and other rodents to your outbuildings.
The experts advise that anyone who has bird food or seeds in their shed to either remove it completely or store it securely.
You should also keep all food off the ground and transfer into airtight containers.
Review your crops
While keeping rats away from your garden crops can be difficult but you can keep an eye on your vegetable patches for any signs of nibbling.
The experts suggest putting crops securely inside your home as soon as they have been harvested.
Remove nesting sites
If you’ve got clutter in outbuildings or your garden, rats and mice can see this as something they can use for shelter and to make nests.
To help keep them away, a good tidy up and declutter could mean your space is less appealing to rodents.
Recommended reading:
- When are rats and mice most active? How living near humans affects their plans
- Expert shares budget-friendly 52p hack that keeps rats away from your garden
- How long do wild rats live in the UK? (It might surprise you)
Keep it clean
Make sure you keep your garden and outbuildings clean so rodents aren’t attracted to them.
If things have spilled or you’ve left crumbs or rubbish lying around, rodents will take this as their invitation to make themselves at home.
Reduce water sources
Rats need to have access to water so it’s important that you reduce any water sources in your garden by improving drainage.
You should also avoid letting any water pool on any outdoor furniture or coverings during rainfall.
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