When rats decide to make your garden or house their home, you immediately have a problem on your hands. Rodents can cause a surprising amount of property damage in a very short period of time. When these pests are around, the safety of homes, cars and gardens is at risk. Rats pose a threat to human and animal health because they can transmit infectious diseases to both groups. Once a rat infestation is discovered, immediate action must be taken to get rid of the pest and ensure that it does not return. Then the next important question is “What to do about rats in the garden?” – we’ll explain that to you in this article!
Is it dangerous to have rats in the garden?
The answer is: yes, they are undoubtedly dangerous to health and can cause a whole range of serious complications. Additionally, these clever rats can cause significant damage to structures and building materials such as bricks, wood, concrete, and even some metals.
It is well known that rats can carry a variety of diseases, some of which can be fatal if not treated in a timely and effective manner. If you have these rodents in your yard, there are a number of possible dangers that could be cause for concern, including the following:
- You can be bitten by a rat.
- These rodents take food from bird feeders without permission.
- They can transmit a number of diseases, including bubonic plague and hantavirus.
- Rats can harm your animals.
- They eatYour vegetables.
Is there an obligation to report?
If you notice a rat infestation in the garden, it must be reported in many cities in Germany (e.g. Munich, Hamburg, Berlin). However, there is no nationwide, uniform reporting requirement. In principle, a rat infestation must be reported to the local public order office or health department.
The most common signs of rat infestation
These are some of the most prominent signs that you have rats in your garden.
Rat droppings in the garden
Rats are known to defecate extremely frequently and can produce up to 40 feces in a single night. They are around 9 – 14 millimeters in size and are dark brown in color. They look like huge grains of rice. If you find such tracks in your yard or in the immediate vicinity of your home, these rodents are almost certainly the problem.
Rat holes
The brown rat stands out above all other rat species for its remarkable ability to dig much faster and more effectively than its fellow rats. The primary goal of this behavior in this species is to build a safe shelter and provide suitable food shelter and nesting site for future generations. Holes dug by brown rats are most likely to be discovered in areas of the garden near compost bins, garden sheds, garages, patios and other areas where food may be stored. Rats are attracted to these areas because they can easily access food there.
In this way you can drive away the rodents.
Hide bird seed
Rats eat grain and the food that falls from bird feeders could entice them to invade your garden. If you have these pests in your garden, you should stop feeding the birds. Store food for birds and other animals in secure containers with lids.
Keep the outside area clean
Rats are less likely to be found in tidy gardens because they find less shelter there. Mow the grass short and clear out crowded storage areas. You should also remove trash and overgrown plants, trees, bushesand cut back perennials, especially those located near fences or garden structures.
Plant mint and basil
Mint is a plant with a strong smell that rodents don't like. Plant one or two specimens in your garden and place pots at the entrance to your greenhouse to not only naturally deter uninvited guests, but also to add a fragrant aroma to your outdoor space.
Rats have a strong aversion to a variety of plants, not just mint. Almost any strongly scented herb (for example basil, echinacea or thyme) is suitable for this task.
Effective DIY remedy against rats
Peppermint essential oil is one of the widely used and very effective natural remedies for preventing rat infestation. Mixing it with water and using it in a spray bottle allows you to use it extremely efficiently. Spray the solution into cracks and around the entrances of nests or tunnels. You can also put a few drops of the solution on a cotton ball and then place it in the affected areas.
What to do against rats in the garden? Keep compost piles covered
Compost piles are an excellent way to recycle organic waste, improve soil quality and make a positive contribution to environmental health - all in one fell swoop. Unfortunately it isCompost also for ratsvery popular because the favorable conditions in it provide them with a comfortable environment. One solution to this problem is to dispose of the waste in a container that has a lockable lid so that rodents cannot get in. If this is not possible, you can place wire mesh under the pile to make it inaccessible from below.
Avoid mulching
Mulching is a common technique that can have significant benefits for your garden, but also offers a warm welcome to rats, mice and other rodents - they are attracted to the warmth and moisture that mulch provides. If possible, you should avoid mulch altogether. But if you absolutely have to, use some type of wood chipsthose to the pestsdo not offer nearly as good living conditions.
