RSPCA shares how to get rid of rats without harming them

Unwanted rodents can be removed without harm, according to the RSPCA.

The charity has shared advice on humane ways to deter rats and mice from homes and gardens to prevent property damage.

Rats and mice can be inconvenient visitors but they don’t have to die or be harmed if they invade your space – here’s how you can get rid of them.

Rats can cause costly damage to properties (Image: Getty)

The charity explains on its website: “Rats and mice commonly live in gardens and parks in the UK as they’ll have easy access to food sources, such as food put down for other animals.

“They can be attracted to spilt wild bird food, scattered by birds from feeders or tables. Compost heaps can also be a major attraction as they offer food, shelter and warmth.

You can find out more about rats and mice via the RSPCA website.

How to get rid of rats in your garden humanely

1 – Remove food sources

The RSPCA advises that you reduce or remove any food sources that are accessible to the rodents and you should make sure that any food containers or bins are airtight and rodent-proof.

If you feed wildlife in your garden, you’ll need to make sure you clean up any food and sometimes, it could be a good idea to stop leaving food out for a little while.

2 – Grow plants rats don’t like

You can also keep rodents at bay by planting wood hyacinth, allium and daffodils in your garden – these act as repellents.

3 – Remove possible shelter

If you have grass, shrubs and other greenery near your house, you’ll need to keep it short and tidy so that rats don’t take up residence and use it as shelter.

Once you know rodents have gone, you can grow them out again to help give other wildlife some cover.

4 – Declutter your garden

Make sure you declutter your garden and keep storage areas tidy so rodents have fewer places to hide.

5 – Move garden furniture and objects

The RSPCA explains that rats and mice are scared of new things or changes (known as neophobia) so moving around your garden furniture and other objects could mean they become confused and alarmed as they’re used to static habitats.

How to get rid of rats humanely in your home

1 – Remove all food sources

Rats and mice can live off crumbs so it’s important to make sure you regularly clean overlooked areas in your home where there might be some crumbs lying around.

Seal all your food containers, particularly those that have cereal, bread, pasta and dried pet food in them.

Food containers should also be made of rodent-proof materials and stored away in cupboards or on shelves that rodents will struggle to get to.

Overnight, you should put your pet’s food bowls away.

2 – Block up any holes or gaps

If the rodents have entered your home via a hole or gap, you can block them up to stop more from getting in.

The RSPCA advises using “either a strong, quick-hardening sealant or ‘mouse mesh’; a kind of wire wool.”

How to get rid of these common garden pests

It explains that materials such as caulk, rubber and plastic fillers aren’t effective because rodents can chew through them.

Keep an eye on other entry points, including doors that have a gap underneath them.

3 – Use oils rats don’t like

You can also use some oils to deter them.

You’ll need to soak some cotton wool balls in peppermint, eucalyptus or spearmint oil.

Rodents avoid these smells so put the cotton wool balls under cupboards and along work surfaces or beams as well as in the corners of your loft, basement or shed.

If you can think of any other places where they might be getting in, try putting some there too.

The oil will need to be replaced regularly even when you think the rodents might have gone as they could return.

Tell-tale signs you have a rat infestation

If you’re unsure whether rats have made their way into your home or garden, pest control company Rentokil has shared some things to look out for.

These include rat droppings, rub marks and gnaw marks.

You might also spot small footprints, rat holes or even nests.

The experts advise acting fast if you have noticed any of these signs of a rat infestation.

Have you ever had rats in your home or garden? Let us know in the comments below.