Seeing a rat or a mouse in the garden is enough to send shivers down your spine.
More than 1,000 searches for “How to get rid of rats” were made online in the past month, up 12 percent from a year ago.
Rat and mouse populations are at their highest in late summer, but as fall begins, their food sources begin to dry up and they begin to look for shelter and food that brings them into our gardens and homes.
Pests can ruin your garden while also causing health risks.
To help keep rats and mice out of your home this autumn, Sam Jenkinson from Tiger Sheds has put together five tips to keep rats and mice out of your garden.
What harm can rodents cause?
Jenkinson said: “As well as being a potential health hazard, rodents can cause serious damage and are known to damage parts of your home and garden which can be expensive to repair.
“This can be caused by ruining electrical equipment by chewing through wires and cables, which can also cause a fire hazard, or water damage by chewing through pipes.
“Rats can also chew through wooden structures such as doors, floorboards and garden sheds, which can weaken structural components, and chew through insulation materials, which can reduce their effectiveness.
“They can also ruin your furniture and create holes as they nest in your home. The presence of rats can also cause a secondary infestation with other pests such as fleas, ticks and larger predators, which can cause further damage.”
1. Plant peppermint
The expert explained: “Rats hate the smell of peppermint, so we recommend planting peppermint in the area around the garden shed to prevent them from trying to sneak in.
“Not only does this keep pests out of the garden building, but it also blooms a delicate purple flower in the summer, brightening up your garden.
“You can also create your own peppermint spray by using 10 drops of peppermint oil, a cup of white vinegar (or three to five drops of liquid dishwashing liquid), and one to two cups of water. Spray the mixture in the entryway and around areas where I’ve noticed rat activity and they’ll be gone in no time.”
2. Remove food sources
Jenkinson advised: “Garden buildings, especially in the summer, are often used for entertaining and receiving guests. If you don’t remove food sources from the garden building, rats and other pests can be attracted.
“Make sure you clean all outhouses thoroughly after use to remove any food residue.”
3. Seal any holes
He recommended: “Rats can squeeze through very small holes, so if you have holes in your garden structures they will find their way through.
“This is why sheet piles like shiplap are a good investment—overlapping or OSB (like large particle board) has more gaps due to weathering or age, so sheet piles are better able to stop intruders, big or small.
“It’s important to seal all holes in garden buildings and other garden items such as fences and foundations. You can do this by using wire mesh sealant.”
4. Use ultrasound equipment
“If you have a power outlet in your garden shed, you can plug in an ultrasound machine,” Jenkinson said.
“These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are not audible to humans, but can irritate rats and pests and keep them away. However, this system may only be effective as a short-term solution, so consider other additional options to deter pests. Stay away for good.”
5. Keep your garden building clean
The professional added: “Rats are attracted to messy and dirty places, so it is recommended to clean and tidy the garden building regularly by removing rubbish such as leaves and sticks from the outside and any materials that can be used for nesting.”
