How To Prevent Rats In Your Garden

Introduction

This Council does not carry out visits to treat for rats in gardens.  The majority of rats in this country live within the sewage system, they are no problem if the sewage pipes are in good condition as they cannot escape from the system.  Some rat populations live above the ground especially in the countryside and generally are no problem to the public.

Rats will come into gardens and houses for a number of reasons
Firstly, if the pipes which carry the sewage away from your property are damaged or broken then rats may escape.  Secondly, rats are always on the look out for food, and if you leave food out for birds, foxes and hedgehogs, this may attract rats onto your property.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Rats Being Attracted To Your Garden

The following tips will reduce the chances of having rats establish themselves in your garden:

• Ensure that drainage is in good repair, that drains are not broken and that inspection chambers are in good condition.
• When feeding birds use a bird table or a hanging net, and ensure that any food that falls to the ground is cleared away.  You may choose to stop feeding the birds in your garden for a period of time.
• Don’t leave food for foxes or other wildlife lying around on the ground in your garden, the food that you leave amounts to only a small percentage of their total intake and they are unlikely to starve if you don’t feed them.
• Ensure that dog and cat food is not left unattended and remove the bowls for cleaning as soon as they are empty.
• Clean away spillage’s of food from rabbit, guinea pig  bird and pet cages and where possible ensure that they are raised off the ground by at least 8" and positioned on a hard surface, this will enable you to clean under them thoroughly.
• Do not put meat or other non vegetable/fruit food waste onto composters and where possible use a properly designed composting unit.
• Out buildings and sheds should be constructed and manufactured so that rats cannot gain access, particular attention should be paid to any gaps around the door.
• Ensure that gardens do not become overgrown or allow rubbish to build up e.g. old mattresses and furniture, as this will provide cover for rats to live under.

What Should I Do If I See A Rat In My Garden?

This Council does not carry out visits to treat for rats in gardens.  Rats in gardens are more common than you think. and if you see a rat in your garden on one occasion, there is generally no need for the Council to call at your property and by paying attention to the above points, you are very likely to be able to solve the cause of the problem and that may be the end of the matter.

If you continue to see rats or there is clear evidence in the garden of the presence of rats such as holes, excavated soil under sheds, runs or droppings, you may choose to enlist the services of a private pest control operator.  It is always good advice to choose one who is affiliated to one of the professional organisations such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).  Before picking a contractor you are also advised to get at least three quotes.

If you feel that the cause of the problem is in a neighbouring garden or on nearby land then the Council may deal with this problem and you can you report such gardens and land by contacting this Department.  

please contact us.

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