Rats are intelligent animals. They are constantly exploring and learning about their environment, and adapt quickly to change. Because they are experts at hiding, you may not see rats in the garden, so it is important to learn to recognize the signs of their presence.
Do rats rummage in gardens?
Do rats rummage in gardens? Yes. Rats eat plants and chew on decorations and structures in the garden. Dense ground covers and hedges with branches close to the ground provide hiding places, while other vegetation, vegetables and berries provide important food sources.
Where do rats live in the garden? Rats live in thick ground cover vegetation, such as English ivy and blackberry patches , as well as underground tunnels. You can find them in piles of firewood and materials like newspapers and cardboard that are piled up for recycling. Building materials, compost piles and thick mulch also provide a safe haven for rats in the garden.
Eliminating some of the more attractive hiding places will discourage some rats, but poisons may be needed to completely eliminate rats in gardens.
Rat deterrents in the garden
Their ability to learn quickly and adapt to changes makes finding rat deterrents a challenge. Ultrasonic devices and deterrents that rely on flashing lights work for a short period of time, but rats soon realize that they are harmless.
Good sanitation and eliminating hiding places are two deterrents that help reduce the rat population, although they may not completely eliminate rats in the garden.
Eliminate rats in the gardens
Smoke and gas canisters are sometimes used against burrowing rats, but since rat burrows can be extensive and have multiple openings, you can end up with toxic gases in places you didn’t expect them. Close any openings you may find before trying this method. You may find that it will also do this by flooding the burrow with water.
Rats avoid new things, so it may take a while before you catch the rats in the traps. If you use traps as part of your control program, decide what to do with the rats you catch in advance. Humane killing is a good solution, but many people find it difficult. Releasing them in another area solves their problem, but can create problems for wildlife. Rats are known to decimate bird populations in some areas.
Toxic and poisonous baits are the most effective way to control rats, but they are also the most dangerous and most likely to harm children, pets, and wildlife. Federal law restricts the sale of these types of baits to blocks of gel, paste or wax that come in ready-to-use stations; However, the active ingredients are just as harmful to other mammals as they are to rats. Pest control professionals are experts in handling and placing this type of bait.