How to Get Rid of Rats in Garden: 15 Must-Follow Tips

Are you waging a silent battle against rats in your garden? Rest assured you are not alone!

Taking immediate, hands-on action is important! Rats can be more than an unwanted nuisance in your garden. They cause damage to plants and vegetables. They leave droppings in unwanted places and a musky smell. They cause irritating noises and much more!

In this article, we'll share 15 must-follow tips to get rid of rats in your garden. Let's take back your peaceful, rat-free garden.

Quick Guide: What To Do Today

• Remove food: Bring in pet food, secure bird seed/feeders, and lock compost lids.
• Remove cover: Clear clutter, cut back overgrowth, move woodpiles off the ground.
• Confirm signs: Look for burrows near sheds/decking, droppings, and runs along fences/walls.
• Control safely: If you use traps or bait, protect children/pets/wildlife (use tamper-resistant stations where appropriate).
• Stop access to buildings: Proof gaps into sheds/greenhouses and check air bricks/pipe entries into the house.

Signs You've Got a Rat Problem (Not Just a Visitor)

• Burrows: entrances can be around 30-40mm across, often near sheds, decking edges, compost areas or fence lines.
• Droppings: typically larger, dark pellets (often around 15mm long when fresh).
• Runs/smear marks: repeated routes along walls/fences, with greasy rub marks in tight spots.
• Regular sightings (especially daytime): can indicate pressure on food/shelter or a bigger local population.

#1 Secure Food Sources

Rats love going through your food supplies.

Check that pet food is stored out of reach and that the compost bin is always locked up tight.

Bird houses and feeding stations can be prime real estate for rats so secure these so only beaked buddies can move in.

#2 Secure Rubbish and Waste

Ensure your rubbish bins are secure and cannot be accessed easily. Any lids should fit snugly so rats can't sneak in for a snack.

Don't let the rubbish linger. Frequent removal cuts off the food supply that attracts rats. Get organised and take your bins out before rubbish collection.

#3 Perform Regular Garden Maintenance

Keep your outdoor space neat and tidy to stop rats in your garden. Regularly trim bushes, mow the lawn, and clear clutter to create a less inviting place for rats.

Simple upkeep can make a world of difference. Remove anything that could become a hideout or potential nest. This includes woodpiles, compost heaps and building rubble.

#4 Repair Fences and Boundaries

Patching up holes in your garden fencing is wise to keep rats out. Ensure the base is buried deep to prevent burrowing and fix any gaps with sturdy wire mesh.

A solid barrier discourages rats from turning your green space into their playground.

#5 Install Garden Mesh or Gravel Borders

Consider setting up rodent proofing products such as a mesh barrier or gravel bed around your plant beds to create an obstacle.

Rats find it bothersome to chew or dig through these materials. Adding this defensive ring makes your greenspace much less inviting. This helps to keep your precious plants and vegetables safe.

#6 Use Natural Rat Repellents

To naturally keep rats away from your garden, consider planting herbs like mint, lavender, and garlic around the perimeter. These strong-smelling plants deter rodents.

Deterrents work best as a supporting layer — they won’t remove rats if there’s still food, water and shelter available.

You can also use peppermint essential oil to create a rat-repelling solution. Soak cotton balls in the oil and place them near rat-prone areas.

#7 Set Up Rat traps

To effectively deal with rats you may wish to consider setting up rat traps. Position rat traps in areas where you see rat droppings, gnaw marks, or other signs of their presence. 

We recommend using rat bait stations to protect snap traps from the elements as well as from non-target species including people. Check traps regularly, remove captured rats promptly, and reset them as needed.

Safety & Legality

• Follow label instructions for any products, and protect children, pets and wildlife.
• If you’re unsure which methods are permitted or how to use them correctly, then seek professional advice.

#8 Use Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic pest devices emit high-frequency sounds beyond human hearing. These frequencies disturb pests like rats and mice, driving them away from homes without causing them harm.

Some studies question the effectiveness of ultrasonic devices. At best, treat these as a non-toxic add-on. For active rats, focus on food removal, habitat reduction, safe control, then proofing.

#9 Secure Water Sources

Remove stagnant water sources, including those near taps and drains. Rats are drawn to water and any standing water is an open invitation.

Regularly check and fix leaky taps, clear clogged drains, and eliminate any unnecessary pools of water in your garden.

#10 Protect Compost Bins

For effective rat-proof composting, invest in a sturdy metal or robust plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid. Elevate the bin to make it harder for rats to access, and secure the lid with heavy-duty locks or cords.

Exclude meat, fish, and dairy from compost if possible, opting for vegetable scraps instead. Regularly aerate the compost by turning it to disrupt rat tunnels and deter nesting.

#11 Hold Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of your garden and green spaces are crucial for early detection. Inspections allow you to spot signs of rat activity like droppings, gnaw marks, and burrows. This proactive approach helps you take swift action and stay ahead of potential infestations.

Community efforts are also vital, as collective action strengthens defences. Encourage neighbours to join forces, share information, tips, best practices, and coordinate actions.

#12 Encourage Natural Predators

#13 Seal Entry Points to Sheds, Greenhouses and Decking

It's imperative to seal entry points in structures such as sheds, greenhouses, and decking areas. Regularly inspect these areas for holes, gaps, or cracks, paying attention to doors, windows, vents, and utility openings.

Use sturdy materials like wire mesh to seal openings, cover gaps around pipes, cables, and other entry points. Additionally, ensure rats cannot squeeze through small openings around doors and windows. Install weather stripping or door sweeps to prevent access.

#14 Consider Professional Help

Recognising when to enlist professional help is crucial, particularly for severe rat infestations. Signs it's time to call pest control experts include persistent infestations despite efforts.

Structural damage like chewed wires warrants expert evaluation, as does unusual rat behaviour, such as aggression or daytime activity.

#15 Educate Yourself on Rat Behaviour

Understanding rat behaviour is crucial for effective infestation management. Rats are nocturnal, avid chewers and opportunistic feeders so watch out for signs of these.

Additionally, rats breed rapidly, underscoring the importance of early intervention in managing infestations.

Final Thoughts

You should now appreciate the importance of a comprehensive strategy in eliminating rats from your garden.

By applying many of these 15 must-follow tips on getting rid of rats in your garden, you can turn your green space into a no-rat zone. It isn't just a dream - it's an achievable goal!

FAQs: rats in the garden

Should I worry if I see one rat?

Not always - look for repeated signs (burrows, droppings, runs) before assuming an infestation.

What attracts rats most?

Easy food (bird seed, pet food, compost), water, and cover (clutter/overgrowth).

How long does it take to reduce rats?

Usually days to weeks, depending on food sources and control method. Rodenticide can take several days once eaten.

When should I call a professional?

If activity is persistent, you're seeing daytime rats, or there's property risk (wiring/structural issues).

We go to great lengths to ensure that all our DIY rat control products are effective, fast & easy-to-use. You may also find our expert guide useful if you want to learn more about getting rid of rats from your home or workplace.