Rats in the garden?

Rats in the garden are increasingly common. Here’s how to protect your produce, pets and children.

You do not want to see rats running in and around your garden, especially when pets and children play nearby.

Unfortunately, this has become more common. Rats moved into neighbourhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic when restaurants closed. Instead of scavenging trash bins, they found ample food and water in urban and suburban yards, where they’re now living and causing problems.

Not only do rats reproduce quickly and damage structures by gnawing holes and wires, but they carry many diseases.

How can I protect my garden and family from rats?

The rodent experts at Pest HQ offer proven DIY steps to get rid of rats on your property. Key points:

Identify where rats are active. Look for burrows under raised garden beds, thick ground cover and sheds. Rats may nest in burrows or attics as far as 450 feet from food so search wide and far. You may notice visible paths the rats are using to travel in the yard.
Eliminate their food, water and shelter. Replace the open compost bin with a sealed composting drum. Harvest produce often and protect garden beds with tightly woven wire mesh fencing buried 8-12 inches below grade. Dispose of windfall fruit. Eliminate standing water in saucers, watering cans, downspout extenders. Seal burrows and holes gnawed in buildings using rodent-proof materials.
Use only the most effective traps and bait to eliminate the rat population. Pest HQ sells a discounted rat control product bundle that ships fast.