Rodents are unwanted in gardens because of the damage they can cause to fruit, vegetables, seeds, bulbs, plants, and containers. They can also expose people and pets to various diseases and parasites. However, rodents love gardens as gardens provide them with both shelter and readily available food sources.
The only rat species you are likely to find in your garden is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). There are several mouse and vole species in North America, and a small number of these can take advantage of food and lodging in gardens. However, their numbers are rarely high enough to cause much damage.
The house mouse (Mus musculus), field vole or short-tailed vole (Microtus agrestis), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) are most likely to be seen in gardens. In America, wild populations of the house mouse and field vole can skyrocket in rural areas after mild winters when they have little die-off. These rural species are normally found in specific habitats:
One of the main signs of a rodent in your garden is their nesting area which is usually under trash, timber, in drain pipes, or under/in sheds. They also have a characteristic smell when in large numbers and their gnawing can be quite noisy, so you may smell and hear them. Rodents are nocturnal feeders, but if you see them during the day, it usually means that they are short of food and getting desperate.
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Rodents can cause damage in your garden which can range anywhere from feasting on fruits and vegetables to gnawing on shed doors and wires. The types of damage caused vary depending on the species of rodent.
Do gardens attract rats? Yes, and the best way to keep rodents out of your garden is to call in an Ehrlich rodent technician. Our technicians will find where the rodents are hiding and provide the proper rodent control treatment method to safely remove them. There are ways you can work to prevent rodents in your garden.
Rodents are drawn to food, water, and shelter, making gardens an attractive environment for them. To combat rodents in the garden and prevent infestations, take the following steps:
Rodent-proofing your garden is essential in preventing infestations of Norway rats, voles, gophers, and other rodents. Here’s how to exclude rodents from your outdoor space with DIY rodent control and preventative measures:
Natural deterrents can help in keeping rodents out of your garden without using harsh chemicals. Try these methods:
The safe and secure option is to call a professional who will have the right training and the best equipment to assess and deal with your infestation. At Ehrlich, we offer chemical-free pest control solutions to ensure the safety of your family and pets. Contact your local Ehrlich office today!
Eliminate food sources, shelter, and water. Store pet food, birdseed, and compost in sealed containers. Use hardware cloth around garden beds, burying it six inches deep to block burrowing rodents like gophers and Norway rats. Raised garden beds with mesh bottoms protect roots from voles. Trim overgrown vegetation and clear woodpiles to reduce hiding spots for rats in the garden.
Predator scents, such as fox urine or cat fur, create a sense of danger. Rodents also avoid rough textures like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.
To naturally keep garden rats away, plant repellent herbs like mint, garlic, and marigolds. Scatter predator scents like cat fur or fox urine. Motion-activated sprinklers and lights can startle rats in the garden. Sprinkling castor oil or chili powder around plants also helps. Raised garden beds with metal mesh bottoms and buried fencing can protect crops from burrowing rodents.
Farmers use natural predators like barn cats and owls, metal barriers, and raised garden beds to prevent burrowing. Many use traps and professional rodent control services.
A homemade garden rodent repellent can be made by mixing equal parts vinegar and water with peppermint oil. Spray this around garden beds to combat rats in the garden. Another option is mixing castor oil with dish soap and water, then applying it to soil and plants.
To help get rid of rats outside, some gardeners plant rodent-repellent herbs like rosemary, mint, and lavender near garden beds. Spread mulch carefully—thick layers can provide hiding spots. Store firewood and compost bins off the ground and tightly sealed to avoid attracting garden rats and mice.
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