FEATURE: PEST CONTROL
RAT WARNING AS COLD SNAP SETS IN
Homeowners are being advised to look out for super rats invading their homes and gardens this winter. Gardening experts at GardeningExpress have shared tips on deterring rats as the cold weather settles in.
T
his comes after a woman in Farnworth Bolton was left afraid of entering her garden after super rats
invaded and took over the space. She says she is afraid to go into her garden and that the rats have now dug holes, entering her neighbours spaces too.
Her outdoor space now smells like foul rat urine and is covered in droppings making it impossible for her grandchildren to play in the garden.
Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of GardeningExpress says: “The cold snap expected early this year will mean that these rodents are fleeing their usual habitats and are in search of a warm home. “You may find that they are trying to enter your home and if you’re experiencing them in your garden it means they’ve viewed it as a suitable place to begin building a nest and keep warm.
“This is likely to happen if you have any debris and garden waste on the ground or sources of food growing such as fruits and vegetables.
Use garlic powder to deter - Rats are not fond of strong scents such as garlic powder or peppermint oil so it’s worth sprinkling some of this around vulnerable areas in the garden.
Cover drains - Cover drains and grates and ensure they are all intact. If necessary, replace damaged ones and check around the perimeter of your home for any other points of entry.
Water sources - Rats need a water source if they’re going to set up their new home. A dripping garden tap, water butt or blocked drain are all great sources of water for the rodent and can make your garden the perfect home for them.
“Having rats in the garden is a major inconvenience so we’ve shared a range of ways people can keep the rats out of their homes all together.”
How to keep rats out of the garden:
Clear up any rubbish - Debris, rubbish and garden waste sitting on the floor makes an attractive, warm
nest for rats. Clear up any that may have accumulated during the winter to ensure there are no spaces that may entice the rodents.
Cover up and gaps and holes - Rats can enter even the smallest of holes on garden sheds and empty plant pots and set up a new home. Cover any gaps no matter how small to prevent them from getting in.
PROBLEM PEST CONTROL SOLVED
Local authorities are reporting a sharp increase in emergency callouts to treat rat infestations, with almost 90,000 incidents reported in the UK’s worst affected boroughs. Rat hotspots are being reported in Swansea, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Sunderland, Nottingham, and Wigan. But the largest increase is in Southwark, which experienced a 90% increase in emergency callouts compared with last year. Recent storms and floodwaters are thought to have exacerbated the
16 DIY WEEK JANUARY 2024
problem, providing easy access to buildings via drains and sewers. And with the average cost of
a professional callout reaching more than £230, homeowners are increasingly turning to DIY solutions. Retailers in rat hotspots are
reporting an upsurge in sales of The Big Cheese DIY rodent control products, with demand soaring for rat traps and cages, as well as bait and bait stations.
“Not surprisingly, demand for The Big Cheese products has increased,
especially in urban, densely populated areas where our retail partners have seen sales growth of 150% and even higher on some lines,” says STV. “We are working hard to maintain stock availability on all our key rodent control lines as demand is expected to continue throughout the Autumn/ Winter season.”
The full range of The Big Cheese
product is featured in STV’s new- season Autumn/Winter catalogue, available on request or for download:
https://www.stvuk.com/catalogue
www.diyweek.net
Keep compost heaps moist - Dry compost heaps are a warm and attractive home for rats. Keep your compost heap moist throughout to deter them from making themselves comfortable.
Keep an eye on bird tables - Bird tables are notorious for attracting rats so it’s worth keeping an eye on them and removing any spilt seeds in the late afternoon once birds are done feeding.
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