that's in the garden are a serious problem these disease-carrying vermin
can spread serious diseases which can lead to Vile's disease three ways to spot
There are two common rats in our gardens. The brown rat
the largest in the UK weighing over half a kilo and measuring around 23cm
not including its tail. Look out for its blunt muzzle a tail which is
shorter than its body and small furry ears. The black rat who weighs half as
much and is shorter, spot its muzzle, large hairless ears, and a tail which is
longer than its body.
To spot rats look for nesting areas under rubbish timber and drain pipes.
Also check on the decking and in your
sheds, green houses and other garden buildings. You may also be able to hear
their activity they come out to feed at night so you won't necessarily ever see
them in the daytime. If you do it probably means they have ran out of food
and are getting desperate.
Rats need to gnaw to keep their constantly growing
incisor teeth worn down. They will chew through wires and pipes
causing costly damages to your woodwork, plastic, bricks and lead pipes and will
strip insulation from electrical cables. They eat most root vegetables including
carrots, parsnips, beetroots and potatoes. As well as seeds and fruits seen by
parallel grooves.
keeping the grass cut short clearing cluttered storage areas
removing rubbish and minimising the overgrown areas of your garden
especially near fences and garden buildings will prevent rats finding a
In order for rats to not get too
comfortable in the garden you should try to move things around frequently. Rats
are neophobic which means they have a fear of new things. They don't like
disruption to their territory so position obstacles in their runs and
move garden furniture around.
Unlike mice rats can't survive without water, removing water sources from your
garden, securing drains and adding baffles to drain pipes will cause the
routes to lose their water supply meaning they are more likely to move
somewhere else.
Designed to kill rodents instantly with a spring release
mechanism. It is triggered when the rodent steps on the trap or takes some
food bait.
These discharge a high-voltage shock when a
rat walks on metal plates inside a containment box. They are an expensive
method and not all can be used outdoors.
Usually a small cage with a trigger mechanism to enclose the rodent when it pulls on the
bait.
Used to disperse rats ultrasound devices emit
sound at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. Rats and mice experience
high volume ultrasound which can repel them without affecting humans. Ultrasound
however dissipates quickly with distance and is blocked by objects that create
shadows. There are a number of ways you can control rats. Traps and poisons are
sold at garden centres but must be used correctly. It is often better to contact
your local council or professional pest controller to deal with rats effectively.
For more ways to prevent and eliminate rats check out our blog on
Garden Buildings Direct the link is in the description