Rats live almost anywhere in towns, cities, and in the country. While intelligent, they are generally unwelcome in gardens due to the physical damage they cause by gnawing, and because they can carry serious diseases, particularly Weil’s disease, that can transmit to humans.
Because rats are attracted to our gardens by food and cosy places to set up home, just a few simple, cost-free or budget-friendly measures can help to keep them at bay. It’s important to be vigilant and deal with rats before they increase in number. Try to avoid putting down rat poison, as the resulting dead rats may be eaten by pets or by carrion-eating wildlife such as hedgehogs, causing sickness or even death.
Remember that good hygiene is hugely important as Weil’s disease transmits from rat urine to humans through broken skin or by being ingested. Wear gloves, wash hands thoroughly after gardening and always protect cuts or abrasions with a suitable dressing.
1. Compost food waste securely
All food waste transforms into wonderful rich garden compost but putting it in an open heap or accessible compost bin can attract rats. Instead, use a rat-proof design specifically designed to take food waste. This could be a solid plastic composter placed on paving slabs or a wormery – those on legs are difficult for rats to get in. Ensure any hatches or lids are tightly closed so rats can’t get their teeth into gaps and gnaw their way in.
2. Stop feeding the birds
Bird food spills from hanging feeders on to the ground, which attracts rats. You can fix a tray to the feeders to catch the spills but bear in mind that rats are agile and can climb into trees, so hang feeders away from stout branches or on free-standing metal supports. However, switching to natural methods of bird feeding, such as growing native plants for caterpillars, leaving seedheads intact and planting berrying shrubs, is better for the birds in the long term, and also doesn’t attract rats.
3. Clear away clutter
Rats seem to love undisturbed places to set up home or take shelter, particularly on the ground that’s easy for them to access. Get in the habit of having a regular tidy-up of things like compost bags, pieces of wood and pots. Keeping items off the ground, on racks or shelves, is also a good deterrent.
4. Fortify sheds, decking, and drains
The spaces beneath sheds and decking tend to be dry, snug and enticing to rats, so fix wire mesh or solid planks of wood around the bases to deter entry. Thin wooden shed doors can be nibbled at the corners, so fix metal plates to the bottom door edges. Pay particular attention to drains and ensure covers are tightly fitting, as rats travel along drains and may even be able to access your home.
5. Protect your harvests
Protect growing crops by clearing nearby hiding places, and train fruits like squash, courgette and pumpkin off the ground to make them less accessible. Store harvested fruit in a rat-proof outbuilding.
