Worried You’ve Got Rats in the Garden? 

If you’ve noticed strange droppings, gnawed and chewed garden tools, or rustling in the bushes, you might be dealing with a rat infestation. They leave droppings everywhere, can cause damage to property and leave a mess in their wake. 

You must take action quickly to mitigate the problem and remove them before they cause further damage or even enter your home. Rats can climb walls and find their way into your home through small entry points.

Signs of a Rat Infestation Outdoors

Here are some common signs that rats have invaded your garden:

Rat Droppings

The droppings might not be as many as what Mice tend to leave behind, but they are known to leave quite a few wherever they nest, especially near to food sources. These droppings are dark, pellet-shaped, and about 1–2 cm long.

Bite Marks
Rats gnaw and chew on various surfaces on a regular basis.  Their teeth never stop growing. Therefore, continuous gnawing helps to stop it from growing into a spiral. It’s also the reason their teeth become very sharp and strong. 

Look for bite marks on bird feeders, hoses, crops, and wooden garden structures. They may chew wood, plastic, and even soft metals.

Why Are Rats in Your Garden—and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

Rats are attracted to gardens that offer shelter and food. To keep them out, get rid of any food sources and make the environment less inviting.

1. Remove or Block Access to Food Sources

Food is one of the major attractions keeping rats in your garden. So what do rats eat? Anything! They are greedy and gluttonous but have been shown to have a few firm favourites, including cheese, grains and birdseed, fruits from trees, pet food and meat and vegetables. 

Eliminate or secure food sources like compost heaps and bird feeders. Ensure bins are tightly sealed, as rats can climb and chew through packaging.

2. Keep Your Garden Tidy

Rats thrive in overgrown or cluttered areas. They love long grass as it allows them to hide from you.  Keep your grass short and remove items that could be used as shelter, like wood piles or unused garden structures.

3. Use Strong Odours to Deter Rats

Rats cannot stand the smell of strong odours. Placing these natural repellents near entry points and problem areas can be quite effective. 

• Peppermint Oil: Soak some cotton balls in 100% peppermint oil and place them near bins, bird feeders, and sheds.
• Cayenne Pepper: You could decide to sprinkle powder near holes and food sources, or create your own liquid mix (water, oil, and cayenne pepper) and spray it near to entry points.
• Garlic: Crush some garlic cloves and scatter them in problem areas— the pungent smell is sure to cause big problems for those critters.

4. Install Physical Barriers

You could install physical barriers to block entry points and stop their access. Good materials include chicken wire, hardware cloth, and cement. The size, material and shape of the barriers make it very hard for rats to move past them. 

5. Fill and Seal Holes

Use sturdy wire mesh and strong cement to securely fill cracks in walls, broken vents, holes near pipes, and any other small gaps or openings that rats could use to gain entry into your garden or home. Make sure the materials are weather-resistant and packed tightly to prevent rats from chewing or pushing through.

6. Call Pest Control

If the infestation is severe or your garden is large, professional pest control may be the most efficient option. Experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to eliminate rats quickly and thoroughly—saving you time, money, and effort in the long run.

Let’s be honest: after trying everything, you might end up calling them anyway!

Need Help With Pest Control?

At Northern Pest Solutions, we’ve been helping homes and businesses in Sunderland since 1992. We’ll remove rats from your garden—and make sure they never return.

Get your free, no-obligation Quote today. 

Cellphone:

0782 823 0669 / 0191 597 1805

Email:

info@northernpestsolutions.co.uk

Office Hours:

Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM