How to get rid of rats in what is now peak rat season

To prevent unwanted guests in the garden, people are being told to eliminate entry points, get rid of any potential food sources and keep gardens and sheds clean and tidy.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “The best thing homeowners can do to avoid their gardens and sheds being infested by rats during the colder months is to take action now.

“Important precautions can make all the difference when it comes to keeping unwanted guests out of your garden. Really simple things like eliminating any food sources by placing them on high shelves in airtight containers, and reducing stagnant water sources in your garden can really help.

“Getting rid of any clutter in your shed and outbuildings is a great way to eliminate nesting sites. Rats and other small rodents will be in search of piles of garden waste and in warm secure spots.

“Rats are at their most active during September and November as they search out food to stockpile for the colder months.”

Here are GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk’s has some top tips for keeping rats away:

Eliminate entry points: Make sure to seal up any entry points to outbuildings, sheds and gardens to eliminate the risk of small rodents entering through cracks and crevices. It is also worth inspecting for cracks in walls and fences which will need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Get rid of food:Things like wildflower seeds and animal food will attract rats and other rodents into your outbuildings. If you store any sort of bird food or seeds in your shed, make sure to either remove it completely or store it securely. Keep all food off the ground and transfer into airtight containers.

Review your crops: Keeping rats away from garden crops is very tricky, but keep a close eye on your vegetable patches to see signs of nibbling. As soon as crops have been harvested, make sure to store them securely inside your home.

Remove nesting sites: Clutter in outbuildings can be great nesting sites for rats and mice. A good clean through any built up belongings can help to eliminate any areas that might be attractive for rodents.

Keep clean: Keep your garden and outbuildings clean to avoid attracting pests. Any spills, food crumbs or rubbish create an inviting space for small rodents and will encourage them into your space.

Reduce water sources: Rats require access to water, so reduce any water sources in your garden by improving drainage and avoiding letting water pool on any outdoor furniture or coverings following rainfall.

To stop rats getting into your home you need to make sure there are no gaps in your internal drainage pipework and seal disused pipes.

Do not put bird seed out on the ground. If you are feeding birds, use a bird table or feeder basket instead.

Keep bin lids shut and in a good condition and keep garden or food waste compost units and areas well sealed.

If you have rats at your property, contact your local council which may be able to help remove them, most likely at a cost to you. You can also use a private pest control service to find where the rats are coming from and let them decide on the best course of action.

If they are coming from above the ground, you will need to organise appropriate baiting and control.