How to get rid of rats in the garden

Discovering rat nests in the garden is a more common occurrence for homeowners than many people think. We're well versed in deterring and removing rats from gardens, so we'll be sharing our tips and tricks for how to get rid of rats in the garden. However it's worth noting that whilst these measures may be effective for more a more straightforward rat problem, you should get in touch with a pest control professional if you're struggling to combat an infestation.

Should I be worried if I see a rat in my garden?

Whilst it's not necessarily a huge cause for concern, the sighting of a rat in your garden could be an indicator of a nearby nest. Rats can be more than just a nuisance - they can cause damage and spread diseases, so it's always worth investigating further if you suspect that a nest may be nearby.

Signs of rats in the garden

The first step to tackling rats in the garden is to be well aware of the common signs of an infestation - whether it's just developing or in progress. When determining the presence of rats, things that you should look out for are:

Rat droppings

Droppings (typically small, dark and cylindrical) are a common and clear indicator that you may have rats in your garden. You might find that these are concentrated near food sources such as bird feeders or pet food. You might also find droppings on paths - rats tend to travel on the same routes so you may find droppings near fences. Another potential location for rat droppings would be inside sheltered spots such as a garden shed.

Rat burrows

Rats are well known for burrowing. They'll typically look to do this near compost piles, sheds, or under decking.

Gnaw marks

Rats need to constantly keep their teeth sharp, so they look for things to gnaw on. Stay on the lookout for gnaw marks on wood, plastic, garden furniture, or garden hoses.

Grease marks & rat tracks

Rat pathways/tracks and grease marks are hallmarks of rat activity. As they move around, they'll rub against surfaces which can leave telltale marks.

Will rats move around the garden in the daylight?

Whilst it's not unheard of, it's very uncommon for rats to move around in the daytime. However, there are some reasons that may lead to this:

Severe infestations

In the case of a severe rat infestation, rats may risk being seen in the daylight to forage for food due to higher competition

Feelings of safety

Rats may venture out into quieter spaces during the daylight hours if they feel safe enough.

Easy food sources

If there are easy food sources within reach such as food from bird feeders, rats may be confident enough to venture out in the daylight.

Where to look for a rat nest in the garden

If you've spotted the hallmarks of a potential infestation, your next step is tracking down a nest. Common places to investigate include:

Under structures or garden buildings

Anywhere that could provide shelter such as sheds, greenhouses, decking or other raised areas are perfect places for rodents to construct nests

Near Compost Heaps

A compost bin is an attractive nesting spot for rats due to the fact that they're often warm and can be a source of food.

Overgrown areas

Overgrown areas such as dense shrubbery, tall grass or unkempt flower beds can provide perfect nesting spots due to how likely they are to be secluded.

Edges and boundaries

Edges and boundaries are also a popular place for nesting as they can provide a feeling of security.

Soft soil or piles of materials

Rats will often look for gaps in log piles or bricks as well as create burrows in soft soil to create nests.

How to deter rats from the garden

If you've read any of our other articles, you'll be aware that prevention and deterrents are our preferred methods of pest control. There are a number of methods at your disposal to prevent the risk of rats and other rodents nesting in your garden without poison or chemical methods.

Secure access to garden buildings such as the garden shed

As we've covered, garden buildings and structures are a favoured place for rats to nest. By conducting an assessment of potential entry points and blocking these off, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

Encourage/introduce natural predators and pets

Natural predators such as birds of prey and pets such cats/dogs can be an excellent deterrent for rats. Consider adding a bird feeding stations to your garden.

Utilise rat traps

Rat traps such as snap traps are an age old way of combatting/preventing infestations. However, there are a variety of types of traps and it's crucial to select the correct one. We recommend consulting a professional prior to utilising traps.

Secure access to bird feeders

Whilst we recommend utilising bird feeders to attract birds of prey, bird food can be an attractive food source for rats. For this reason, it's important that you prevent rats from being able to access these food sources. As an aside, it's also worth considering how to squirrel proof bird feeders.

Fix leaky garden taps

Garden taps can be an attractive water source for rats, so it's important to secure any potential leaks.

Reduce natural shelter in plants and grass

As we've mentioned, rats can seek to build nests in overgrown flower beds or tall grass. Keeping vegetation and plants under control and maintaining tidy gardens will reduce the amount of places that a nest may be constructed.

Install barriers

Consider installing barriers such as wire or mesh around decking and other structures. Raised flower beds may also act as a deterrent.

Use rodent deterrent methods

Natural deterrents such as citronella and peppermint oil can sometimes be effective when placed near entry points, as can ultrasonic repellents or motion activated lights.

Be vigilant with food waste

We've spoken a lot about animal food and bird seed from bird feeders, but food scraps in bins can also be an attractive lure for rats - aim to dispose of food waste quickly and securely.

Rat poison

While rat poison can be an effective way of deterring and controlling rat infestations, it's one that we don't typically recommend unless implemented by a professional as part of a detailed pest management plan. This is primarily due to the fact that it can be a hazard for other animals and other wildlife.

How to get rid of rats in the garden naturally

The best way to get rid of rats in the garden naturally is to introduce natural predators or make use of natural repellents such as citronella or herbs such as peppermint.

How do I get rid of rats in my garden fast?

The fastest way to get rid of rats in your garden is to get in touch with a professional that offers rat control services such as our team. As we've described in this article, there are a number of measures that you can put into place to prevent and combat infestations, but as professional pest control technicians, we've had a number of years' experience in removing infestations and have access to resources to help us expedite the process.

If you're concerned about a rat infestation in your garden, yard or other outdoor areas then please get in touch with us.