Common food sources are compost bins, bird feeders and fallen fruit and berries. Keep your compost bin wet to deter nesting and don't compost meat, fish or cheese as the strong odours will attract rats. NEVER use shop-bought rat poison in the garden as there is a high risk to pets, children and surrounding wildlife.
Can I put out rat poison in my garden?
Poison dusts to sprinkle or blow into rat burrows are illegal for gardens and must never be used—not even by a certified professional. They are not only poisonous to rats but could also be harmful to other animals and children if ingested.
How do I get rid of rats in my garden UK?
How to Get Rid of Rats in the Garden1Remove all clutter. The first thing to do is to remove all the clutter that provides the rats with hiding places. ... 2Live traps. Use small cages with food bait to capture the rat. ... 3Snap traps. These are designed to kill the rats instantly. ... 4Electrocution traps. ... 5Use water.
What can I put in my garden to get rid of rats?
Here are six ways to rid your garden of pesky rats for good.1Peppermint oil. Rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, so it's an effective way to drive them away. ... 2Catnip. ... 3Remove food and water sources. ... 4Keep your garden clean. ... 5Soil netting. ... 6Sealing gaps.
How long does rat poison stay active in soil?
In studies with bromadiolone baits applied to soil, 45-78% of the bromadiolone broke down in the first 21 days. Some studies indicate that it may take longer to break down if stored underground by animals where it has less exposure to the weather.