How to keep rats away from your yard – 5 expert methods for keeping your garden rodent-free
By Tenielle Jordison,
17 hours ago
Coming across pests in both the home and backyard is inevitable and sometimes it can't be prevented. However, there are a few things you can do to discourage certain pests from taking up residence in your yard.
Even after learning how to get rid of rats , it's worth discovering ways to keep them away to stop you having to deal with the same problem later on with returning rodents. Just like getting rid of mice , deterring rats can help prevent damage to crops and plants, as well as structural damage to your home.
There is no single right way to keep rats away from your yard, so we've put together a list of the best methods for you to try.
5 ways to keep rats away from your yard
If you're experiencing a big rodent problem, it's worth contacting a professional pest control expert for help. However, if you have spotted the occasional rat in your yard or want to prevent them from entering in the first place, try implementing the expert-recommended precautions below.
1. Keep your yard clean
An untidy yard full of debris, fallen leaves and log piles can offer the perfect hiding places for rats. Staying on top of yard maintenance is a simple trick to keeping them away.
'By mowing your lawn frequently and removing debris, you reduce potential hiding spots for rodents,' explains garden maintenance expert, Steve Clark .
It's not just obvious hiding spots you need to tackle, either. 'Rats and mice don’t like to be in the open, so try to remove any runways they have that lead them to the yard, and remove any harborage they may have near the yard,' advises pest control expert, Blair Calder .
Not only should you remove shelter for rats to hide in, but it's also wise to take away any food sources that may be attract them to your yard. This includes not only open trash bins where food scraps are, but also contents in your kitchen garden .
'It's crucial to harvest all ripe fruit and vegetables right away in your garden, don’t leave them out for rodents,' advises Blair. Rats will feed on fruit and vegetables growing in your yard, so be sure to keep on top of your harvesting schedule to avoid the vegetable harvesting mistakes of leaving them out for too long.
'Certain plants like mint, lavender and marigolds are natural rodent deterrents. Planting them near entry points like fences, garden beds or the perimeter of your house can help,' says Steve.
Herbs like mint, rosemary and lavender are also effective as mouse-repellent plants and even snake-repellent plants . However, Blair does note you will need large quantities of fragrant plants to keep rats out for good, so it's wise to not rely on this solution alone.
It's no surprise that rats are attracted to compost bins where kitchen scraps and decaying matter are compiled to break down. A simple solution is ensuring you incorporate a compost bin somewhere secure in your yard.
'Compost bins are a prime attraction for rodents if left unsecured,' says Steve. 'Elevate the compost bin off the ground and use a tight, sealed lid. You should also turn it to stop compost smelling bad , which could attract rats,' he advises.
Of course, one of no-dig expert Charles Dowding's composting tips is to not worry too much about rodents in your compost, as they can actually help keep it aerated. Nevertheless, if you are struggling with a rat problem, it's wise to avoid inviting them into your heap.
You can also employ the help of natural predators to keep rats away. A pet cat or dog, for example, may hunt rodents and scare them off.
Other options include attracting birds of prey to your yard, with the best plants for birds . 'Keeping grass short also allows predators, like birds of prey, to spot and deter pests more easily,' notes Steve.
'You could also consider adding a fake owl to your yard, as rats tend to avoid areas where they think predators are,' he adds.
Yes, it is possible to catch rats in your yard using a humane rat trap. They work by luring rats into a container that shuts and traps them inside. You can then release them in a different location, away from your home. However, there may be different regulations about trapping and releasing rodents in different areas, so always check with your local authority first. An alternative solution is contacting a certified pest control expert to help you capture rodents on your land.
Late-summer and fall are common times for rats to make an appearance in your yard, especially when there is plenty of debris and fallen leaves for them to hide amongst. As well as keeping rats away, it's worth turning your attention to other common fall pests to watch out for and protect your home from in fall , including squirrels and raccoons.
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