People urged to buy 36p Asda product to banish rats this summer

As the UK continues to experience extreme heat this summer, the chance of seeing rats in your garden may be greater – but experts say a 36p product from Asda could help keep them away

Asda shoppers have been told to snap up a 36p product which could prove vital in stopping rats from entering their homes. Following record-breaking temperatures throughout the UK and with heatwaves continuing to define the summer, the likelihood of spotting rats in your garden may be higher.

This is because the severe heat has depleted many of their natural water sources, forcing them to abandon the security of drains, sewers, and other subterranean habitats to seek out new areas in their search for hydration and relief from the soaring temperatures. Our gardens are particularly attractive to rats during the summer months, due to readily available water sources and the possible access to food waste from barbecues and other outdoor dining.

The UK is home to two species of the animal – the brown rat, also called the common rat or the sewer rat, and the rarer black rat, occasionally known as the ship rat. Rat populations fluctuate considerably, but are thought to number anywhere from 10 million to over 100 million.

They’re highly adaptable creatures, and anyone averse to them may be disturbed to discover rats can fit through openings around the size of a £1 coin, or 20mm, enabling them to gain access to homes, sheds, and beyond.

Saif Derzi, founder of cash house buyers Property Buyers Today, said: “Homeowners should check for gaps around pipes and cables, damaged air bricks, cracks in walls and foundations, and broken drains or drainage systems. The biggest mistake people make is assuming rats need a large opening to get inside.”

Saif continued: “People tend to associate rat problems with autumn and winter, but summer is often when populations expand, and infestations begin. The first step is identifying and sealing potential entry points before rats can get inside.

“Small gaps around pipes and cables can often be sealed using wire wool, and a pack of three at Asda costs only £1.08, which comes out to 36p per piece.

“Cement or specialist expanding foam can also work, while damaged air bricks should be fitted with metal mesh covers that maintain ventilation while preventing access.”

Offering further guidance, Saif added: “Homeowners should also ensure bins are securely closed, remove potential food sources where possible, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. If you spot signs of rats, it’s important to act quickly.

“Common warning signs include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks, and damage to insulation, wiring and pipework.

“While preventative measures can help, homeowners dealing with an active infestation should seek professional pest control advice as soon as possible.

“DIY solutions often fail to tackle the root cause of the problem.”

The specialist emphasised the need to tackle a rat infestation promptly rather than ignoring it, as the animals can cause considerable structural damage “from chewed electrical wiring and damaged insulation, to compromised pipework.”

Saif warned: “In severe cases, infestations can also impact a property’s saleability. Mortgage lenders may require evidence that an infestation has been professionally treated before approving a loan, which can delay or complicate a sale.”