I’m a Garden Professional – 5 Tips to Deter Rats and Mice When They Take Cover in the Fall
The rat and mouse population in Britain is highest in late summer and early autumn.
It is also the time when rodents’ food sources dry up and they start looking for cover and food, which is how they end up in our gardens and homes.
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However, there are some tips to banish them from your home.
Horticultural expert Sam Jenkinson from Tiger Sheds has his expert opinion on how to keep pests, such as rats, out of your garden and home.
Plant peppermint
Rats hate the smell of peppermint, so we recommend planting peppermint around your garden shed to prevent rats from sneaking in.
Not only will this keep pests out of your garden shed, but in summer the plant will also bloom with delicate purple flowers, brightening up your garden space.
You can also make your own peppermint spray with 10 drops of peppermint oil1 cup white vinegar (or 3-5 drops of dish soap) and 1-2 cups water.
Spray the mixture at entrances and around places where you see rats and they will quickly disappear.
Remove food sources
Garden houses are often used, especially in the summer, as a place to receive and entertain guests.
If you don’t remove food sources from your garden shed, rats and other pests may be attracted to it.
Be sure to thoroughly clean all outdoor buildings after use to remove all food debris.
Seal all holes
Rats can squeeze through very small holes. If your garden shed has holes, they will find their way through them.
That’s why tongue and groove planks, like shiplap, are a good investment. Sheds with shiplap or OSB (like large particleboard) tend to have more gaps from weathering or aging, so tongue and groove planks are better at keeping out intruders, big or small.
It is important to fill holes in your garden sheds and other garden features, such as fences and foundations.
You can use mesh sealant for this.
Use ultrasonic devices
If your garden house is a current source, you can connect an ultrasonic device.
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These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans, but can be irritating to rats and vermin, keeping them away.
However, this system may only be effective as a temporary solution, so consider other options to ensure pests stay away for good.
Keep your garden sheds clean
Rats are attracted to messy and dirty places. Therefore, it is advisable to clean and tidy your garden shed regularly. Remove rubbish such as leaves and twigs from outside and any materials that can be used as nests.
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden…
Whether you hear them scurrying around your house or under your patio, there’s one reason you’re having a mouse problem…
Fabulous’ Associate Editor Rebecca Miller is a gardening enthusiast who explains why it’s not uncommon to have mice, but you should be concerned if you have rats.
“Our gardens are home to a variety of animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels. But there is one animal that no one wants to find: mice or rats.
“Mice can be destructive, and rats are downright scary and make everyone panic.
“But mice are found all over the UK and if you have one or two in your garden, there is no need to panic.
“Field mice and field mice can easily enter your home because they are small enough to fit almost anywhere. However, they are more likely to hide in garages, sheds and outbuildings because they provide easier access to the outside world.
“Indoors, you are more likely to encounter mice during the fall and winter months.
“As for rats, they are generally considered pests and can potentially spread serious diseases. They usually settle under decking, in sheds or greenhouses and on compost heaps.
“Rats are primarily nocturnal, so you may not see them when you are in your garden. However, there are signs you can look for: tunnels or ‘burrows’, droppings, gnawed wood or teeth marks in crops.”
