How to Keep Rats Out of Your Garden

Rats are one of the most difficult pests to get rid of once they’ve nested. Not only are they an unwanted nuisance but they also pose a serious health risk, so it’s best to keep them away before they nest. In this quick guide, we give our expert tips for keeping your garden rat-free.

Where do rats nest in the garden?

Rats tend to nest under structures like sheds or summer houses. But they might live in drains and come up into your garden to find food. Rats aren’t picky nesters, if there is a concealed spot they can burrow into, they’ll call it home.

Are garden rats dangerous?

Rats are always dangerous. They carry diseases that are harmful to pets and people alike, and can chew through cables, wreaking havoc on your property. Not to mention they will become aggressive if they feel threatened, so can be a risk to your pets if they get cornered.

How to Keep Rats Away from the Garden

The best way to avoid the risk of rats is to stop them nesting in the first place. If you follow these simple steps below, your garden is much less likely to be attractive to rats, and you’ll help avoid nests.

1. Get a pet
Pets shouldn’t be used as pest control, but having a dog or outdoor cat in your garden will scare off almost all rodents. They are much less likely to nest in an area they perceive as threatened by a predator.

2. Keep food away from the lawn
If you have bird feeders or pet food outside, it’s at risk of attracting unwanted rodents, including rats, squirrels, and mice. The best option is to not leave any food outside, but if this isn’t an option, make sure to replace the food often and keep the floor around it clean.

3. Keep your rubbish bin sealed
It’s not enough to simply shut your bin lid, rats will find a way in when they smell the rubbish inside. Use a bin with a lock or put something heavy on top of the bin to stop unwanted pests getting in.

4. Keep your garden tidy
The fewer places rats have to hide, the better. So keep your garden clutter-free and tidy. This includes keeping your lawn trimmed – tall grass is the perfect hiding place for rats and it makes it more difficult to spot the early warning signs.

5. Block access to your shed
If there are holes under your shed, now is the time to block them up. Any openings are the perfect spot for rats to crawl in and hide. You’d be surprised how small an opening a rat needs to get in, so seal off all access completely to avoid rodent infestations.

Need rat control services in Shrewsbury?

Once rats have nested in your garden, they are difficult to get rid of without professional help. If you’re worried about pests in your garden in Shrewsbury, call us today. We’ll come out and assess your home and give you our expert opinion on how to remove the pests and keep them away in the future.