Rodents in the garden

What are the most common rats in the garden?

The most common rat species found in our gardens are the Black Rat and Brown Rat.

They create tunnels to travel through the garden and many times end up in our homes.

What do they eat?

Mice eat garden plants and houseplants.

They are especially fond of seeds, so newly planted seeds like corn and sunflower seeds area a favourite target of garden mice.

Rodents will typically visit the garden to feed on:

• cabbage
• carrots
• cauliflower
• leeks
• peas
• turnips
• potatoes
• zucchini
• tulips

How do you know if you have a rat problem?

A tell-tale sign that you have a rat problem is by looking at what plants are targeted.

Rats love starch so will naturally nibble on bulbs, stems and ripe fruit.

Rats might eat vegetables and fruits in a garden, but only if there’s nothing else available. They eventually move on to areas with meats, grains, oils, and other fats.

They leave signs of gnawing damage on fruit and vegetables and black, moist, thin droppings on the ground. They also burrow holes close to sheds or under debris. Mice typically eat seeds from the ground without disturbing the soil.

How to control and prevent Rodents in the garden?

Using both prevention and control strategies together will help rid your garden of these furry invaders.

Prevention involves:

• ensuring all rubbish in and around your garden is sealed and secured
• clear out sheds and storage areas of clutter which are potential nesting sites
• pick your fruit, cut your grass, seal compost bins, and feed domestic pets only what they need
• remove all food and water sources and make shelter and nesting areas less hospitable
• Building a fence around your garden with an underground barrier will help to control rodent movement.

Deter rats and mice by planting strong smelling plants like:

• mint
• basil
• echinacea
• garlic
• thyme

Rodents hate onions so place an onion where you suspect the rodent is entering and consider growing onions, leeks, and garlic around the exterior of your garden beds.

Plants and herbs known to keep mice and other rodents away include:

• marigolds
• garlic
• daffodils
• black pepper
• rosemary
• lavender
• onions
• tomatoes

Traps are an effective control as is getting a cat!