Alan Titchmarsh shares simple tips for getting rid of rats

That said, thankfully, gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh has shared simple advice to discourage the rodents from making themselves at home outdoors.

This time of year is ideal for rats, as it’s peak breeding season and they’re actively seeking food and shelter – both of which many gardens unintentionally provide.

However, there is an easy way to make your plot less appealing.

Alan suggests keeping the lawn closely mown so rats have fewer places to hide, reducing the chances of them settling in.

Alan Titchmarsh’s tips for getting rid of rats:

He said in a video of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “Rats are furtive. They like cover and shelter.

“They do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer.”

The simple change of staying on top of cutting your grass can make a huge difference in stopping rats from coming into your garden.

Alan added, “If you have got long grass everywhere, that gives them access.

“Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see, no rats.”

Alan said: “Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But, they can also be a magnet for rats.”

If you have a compost heap, that can also be a huge draw for rats.

Alan’s own compost heap is made from solid wood with steel sheeting lining the inside.

He said, “Hopefully that goes right down to the ground.

“They can burrow underneath it, but I am really reducing their ability to get in with ease. That’s a start, make the heap with good, strong sides.”

Alan explained you need to be careful about what goes into the compost heap.

He said: “Don’t put processed food, anything you have cooked, any meat, any potatoes.

“Don’t do that because it’s just an absolute open invitation for rats.”

Instead, Alan suggests putting in mouldy apples as they rot down quickly and any green clippings from the garden.”

Do you find rats troublesome? Let us know in the comments