Common item you should never leave outside in May as it will attract rats
Common item you should never leave outside in May as it will attract rats
Gardening experts at William James have warned that rat populations can quickly explode in the warmer weather, and have shared some simple ways to keep them away
Following these tips will help avoid rats wrecking havoc in your gardens
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
With the sunshine welcoming more of us outdoors, it's important to be mindful that pests like rats might also be frequenting our gardens. While it may seem straightforward to resort to poison in dealing with these irritants, such methods can seriously harm local wildlife, neighbourhood pets, and are particularly inadvisable for pet owners.
Gardening gurus at William James have proposed alternative measures, such as eliminating potential attractions for rats in your garden, especially bird feeders. They advise: "Rats eat grains and seeds, so if you have bird feeders or squirrel feeders in your garden, it's best to take them down for a while until the rat problem is resolved."
Known for their opportunistic nature, rats will dwell where they can easily detect food, making bird feeders a prime target.
Bird feeders might be attracting Rats to your garden
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
Seeds dropped during birds' feeding sprees, when paired with a feeder placed close to structures like sheds, fences or trees, provide effortless access for climbing rats.
Limiting fill in bird feeders and bringing them indoors at dusk is considered effective, given rats' nocturnal tendencies, reports the Express. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
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Some individuals employ the tactic of adding chilli powder to bird feed since it deters rats who are irritated by spice, whereas birds remain unaffected and might even relish it.
Nevertheless, the most efficacious measure against rats as temperatures rise is maintaining a tidy garden devoid of accessible food sources.
It is crucial there is no food source in your garden to reduce the number of rats
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
The specialist advised: "The first step is to make sure there are no food sources for the rats in your garden. This means clearing up any spilt bird seed or pet food, and making sure all compost bins are securely covered."
It's wise to also shield any water features in your garden, such as a bird bath at night-time, as rats tend to be attracted to these more as it gets warmer.
With many berry plants like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries poised to start bearing fruit in May, it's crucial to maintain them well and ensure there are no dropped fruits for rats to nibble on.
Your furry friend might help reduce the rats in your garden
(Image: Getty Images )
Rats, with their highly developed olfactory senses, will naturally gravitate towards areas with attractive odours, so vigilance in protecting your crops is key as summer approaches.
Employ netting over berry bushes, consider cultivating them in raised beds for extra safety, but arguably the most effective safeguard for any keen gardener might be a feline friend, whose presence alone can deter rats.
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The expert remarked: "Natural predators can be a great way to help keep rats away from your garden. If you have a cat, it can help to keep the rat population down."
Furthermore, encouraging the presence of other natural adversaries of rats, such as owls and foxes, can act as an efficient rat deterrent, negating the need for harmful chemicals in your green space.
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