All sorts of animals live in the United States. It’s estimated that there are over 21,000 species in the country. Most are harmless, but some can bring disease, while others can destroy farms and even home gardens. One of the most common animals in the country that are considered a pest is rats. Here’s what you need to know about rats and how they can affect your garden.
Rats in the United States
It’s estimated that almost three million Americans have seen rats in their home. Rats are most active at night when they come out to forage for food. So if you have rats in your garden, you’re not alone. Rats are one of the most common animals in the United States.
Rats can be detrimental to your garden in many ways. They can eat your plants, dig holes that damage roots, and contaminate food with their droppings. Rats can also spread disease to humans and other animals, the most common being salmonella.
There are a few ways that you can protect your garden from rats.
Build a Fence
One of the simplest ways to keep rats out of your garden is by building a fence. The fence should be at least two feet tall and made of wire mesh. You may need to make the fence taller if you have a rat problem. You can also add a layer of chicken wire to the bottom of the fence to keep rats from burrowing into your property.
A metal fence is the most effective way to prevent rats from entering your garden. They are much harder to chew through and are more resilient than other forms of fences out there. However, building one requires you to invest in robust metal fence components. You can find these components online or in your local hardware store.
Fences are reliable and effective, but they’re not always the most practical solution. If you have a small garden, it may be easier to use another method of rat control.
Create a Natural Barrier
You can also create a barrier around your garden with plants that rats don’t like. The smell of certain plants repels rats, so you can use these to create a natural fence. Some of the best plants to use for this purpose include:
- Peppermint
- Citronella
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Chili peppers
You can grow these plants around the perimeter of your garden or in pots near potential entry points. These plants will not only keep rats away but also add a nice smell to your garden.
Use Rat Traps
Rat traps are one of the most common ways to get rid of rats. There are many different types of rat traps available on the market. The snap trap is the most common, designed to kill rats instantly. These traps can be baited with cheese or peanut butter to attract rats.
You should place traps along walls and corners where rats are likely to travel. You may need to experiment with different bait and trap locations to find what works best for your situation. It’s essential to check the traps regularly and dispose of any dead rats properly. Also, be careful using rat traps if you have pets, as the trap can injure them.
Poison is also an option, but it should be used with caution. Rat poison is dangerous to many pets and humans. If you choose to use poison, make sure to follow the directions on the package carefully.
Rat repellents are another option that may work for you. These products emit a noise or scent that rats find unpleasant. Some of these products need to be replaced regularly, while others last for a more extended period.
Clean Your Garden
One of the best ways to prevent rats from damaging your garden is to keep it clean. Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves and branches. It will help deter rats from taking up residence in your garden.
You should also regularly trim any plants or trees touching your fence. It will give rats fewer places to hide and make it more difficult for them to enter your property.
Finally, don’t leave any food out in the open. Instead, store food in airtight containers and dispose of any garbage properly.
Take Precautions
There are a few things you can do to prevent rats from getting into your garden in the first place. Start by sealing any holes or cracks in your home’s foundation. Rats can enter homes through tiny openings, so checking your property carefully is essential.
You can also try using ultrasonic devices to deter rats. These devices emit a high-frequency noise that rats find unpleasant. There are many different types of ultrasonic devices available online and in stores.
Your garden is vulnerable to rats, but there are steps you can take to protect it. You can keep your garden safe from these pests by taking precautions and using the correct control methods.
