Rats are resilient, opportunistic pests, and once they take up residence in your yard, they can quickly become a major problem. The most effective approach is proactive deterrence: controlling your outdoor environment to remove the three essentials rats need to survive – food, water, and shelter.
Start by securing trash cans, cleaning up fallen fruit, and storing pet food indoors to cut off food sources. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaky hoses or birdbaths, and trim overgrown vegetation. Seal gaps in fences and clear clutter such as woodpiles or debris that could serve as hiding spots.
When it comes to how to get rid of rats, these preventive measures are crucial. They also apply to getting rid of mice, as the same principles work for both pests. Rat-proofing and mouse-proofing your yard now protects your property and avoids the stress and expense of dealing with established colonies later.
How to keep rats out of your garden
Following these expert-recommended steps is essential for keeping your outdoor space rodent-free, as they not only help prevent rats and mice from establishing a foothold but also reduce the risk of property damage, protect your garden and landscaping, and minimize the need for costly professional pest control interventions in the future.
1. Practice meticulous yard sanitation
Rats thrive in clutter that provides cover from predators, so keeping your yard tidy is essential.
Remove debris: Clear away log piles, stacks of unused patio furniture, and old equipment that could serve as hiding spots.
Manage foliage: Keep grass trimmed and regularly rake up fallen leaves and yard waste. Garden maintenance expert Steve Clark notes, ‘By mowing your lawn frequently and removing debris, you reduce potential hiding spots for rodents.’
Destroy runways: Rats prefer to travel along covered edges rather than open spaces. Pest control expert Blair Calder advises, ‘Remove any runways they have that lead to the yard, and eliminate any harborage near the property.’
By systematically removing clutter, collecting leaves, managing vegetation, and eliminating pathways, you make your yard far less inviting to these opportunistic pests.
Steve Clark is the CEO and founder of Arise Lawn Service. He started this journey working and learning from his father. He is a garden and lawn maintenance expert.
Blair Calder is the Founder & CEO of Automatic Trap Company located in Sonoma, CA. The company focused on humane solutions to rodent and pest problems was founded in 2016 and serves the needs of consumers and businesses located nationwide.
2. Secure all food sources
Any edible item left outdoors – from garden produce to pet food – is essentially an open invitation for rats.
Harvest diligently: Don’t leave ripe fruits or vegetables to rot on the vine or the ground. Pest control expert Blair Calder emphasizes, ‘It’s crucial to harvest all ripe fruit and vegetables right away in your garden; don’t leave them out for rodents.’
Manage bird feeders: Spilled birdseed is a major attractant. Use trays to catch fallen seed, clean the ground underneath regularly, and consider baffles to prevent rats from climbing.
Secure pet food and trash: Store pet food in sturdy, airtight containers. Choose heavy-duty trash cans – metal or solid plastic – with secure locking lids to prevent rats from chewing or tipping them over.
By controlling access to all food sources, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of rats taking up residence in your yard.
3. Eliminate all standing water
Rats need a consistent water source, so cutting off easy access makes your yard far less inviting.
Fix leaks: Repair dripping outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, or hoses.
Empty containers: Remove buckets, wheelbarrows, and any containers that can collect rainwater.
Maintain water features: Regularly clean or empty birdbaths and pet water bowls, particularly overnight, to deny rats a reliable source of water.
By removing standing water, you tackle one of the three essentials rats need to survive, making your yard a much less attractive place for them.
4. Rat-proof your compost bin
Compost heaps are a major draw for rats, offering warmth and easy access to food scraps.
Use secure bins: Avoid open piles. Opt for a tumbling composter or an elevated bin with solid sides and a tight-fitting lid to prevent burrowing.
Avoid attractants: Garden expert Steve Clark advises, ‘Compost bins are a prime attraction for rodents if left unsecured. Elevate the compost bin off the ground and use a tight, sealed lid.’ Steer clear of adding meat, dairy, or other high-value food scraps that are particularly tempting to rats.
By securing your compost and limiting attractants, you can enjoy the benefits of composting without inviting unwanted visitors to your yard.
5. Block entry points to your home
The most effective way to control rats is exclusion – stopping them from entering your house or shed in the first place. Remarkably, rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch.
Seal gaps: Thoroughly inspect your foundation, siding, and utility entry points, including pipes, vents, and cables. Close any cracks or holes by stuffing them with steel wool – like this one from Amazon – combined with caulk, or cover larger openings with hardware cloth to keep rodents out.
Check vents: Make sure all vents, particularly foundation vents, are fitted with durable metal mesh to prevent rodents from sneaking inside.
Systematically blocking entry points creates a barrier that keeps rats out and provides long-term peace of mind.
6. Use aromatic deterrents
Rats are sensitive to strong scents, making fragrant plants and oils a helpful layer of defense – though planting alone won’t solve an infestation.
Plant aromatic herbs: Mint, lavender, and rosemary are smells that rats and mice hate. Garden expert Steve Clark advises, ‘Planting them near entry points like fences, garden beds, or the perimeter of your house can help.’
Use essential oils: For a more concentrated effect, soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil and place them in problem areas, refreshing them weekly. Pest control specialist Blair Calder cautions that ‘you will need large quantities of fragrant plants to keep rats out for good,’ so essential oils can serve as a stronger, temporary solution.
The Mighty Mint Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray, available on Amazon, is a top-rated best-seller with more than 30,000 glowing reviews.
Combining aromatic plants with other preventative measures helps create a multi-layered approach that makes your yard far less appealing to rats.
7. Encourage natural predators
Harness the power of nature to help keep rats at bay in your yard.
Utilize pets: The presence and scent of cats or dogs can be enough to deter rodents from taking up residence.
Attract birds of prey: Maintain an open, clutter-free yard. Garden expert Steve Clark explains, ‘Keeping grass short also allows predators, like birds of prey, to spot and deter pests more easily.’ You can also place a decoy owl on a high fence post or another strategic location to simulate a natural threat and keep rats on edge.
Integrating natural predators with other preventive measures strengthens your yard’s defenses and makes it far less inviting to rodents.
Keeping your yard rat-free requires a multi-pronged, consistent effort. By eliminating their core needs and maintaining vigilance, you can successfully discourage rodents from settling near your home.
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