Rats are a huge problem when they set up inside the home, but they can be a major issue when they are in your yard as well. Not only will they pose a health risk to you and your pets, even when outdoors, they will also damage your garden, outdoor buildings and vehicles. Here is what you need to do if you have rats in your yard:
What attracts rats to a yard
Rats are attracted to a property for several reasons. First, they may find plants that are appealing. Fruits and vegetables such as figs, lemons, peaches, oranges and avocados, along with walnuts and almonds are main draws.
Odors may also be very attractive to rats. Smells that emanate from pet waste, barbecue grills, bird feeders, garbage containers and pet food all smell like they come from the land of plenty for a rat.
But the draw of food sources is not enough for a large rat infestation. These rodents know how vulnerable they are, so they always seek areas where they can hide and stay safe from predators. So while food sources may entice some of the braver rats, it is areas that have overgrown vegetation and plenty of hiding spots where rats really thrive.
Getting rid of yard rats
There are many ways to get rid of the rats in your yard. You of course have the option of using poisons. However, rats that have been poisoned with certain products will leave behind carcasses that are dangerous to other animals.
To avoid these issues, you can go with other options such as traps or deterrents. When it comes to traps, you have a lot of options at your disposal, from mechanical traps, to boxes, glue and electronic traps. In terms of deterrents, there are plenty of options as well. You can plant mint or spearmint in your garden, or create sprays by boiling the leaves in water and then spraying the solution around your property. Other plants that have a deterrent smell include oregano, sage, rosemary, basil, balck pepper and cayenne.
However, if an infestation is too large, it will be quite difficult to eliminate it entirely without professional tools and expertise. To handle such an infestation, you will need to get in touch with a specialist. Contact us today if you are dealing with a stubborn rat infestation in your yard.
