Rats can be a common nuisance in gardens, causing damage and spreading disease. Keeping them away in the first place can be a challenge, but there are effective and humane ways to deter them from your property. A pest control expert has shared a cheap hack that can help keep rats away without harming them.
Instead of resorting to poison, which can be harmful to other wildlife and pets, consider using Vaseline as a deterrent. Pest expert Marcus Mueller from Skedaddle recommends applying Vaseline to garden fences to create a slippery surface that rats will struggle to climb. This simple and affordable solution can make it harder for rats to access your garden and discourage them from sticking around.
In addition to using Vaseline, Marcus suggests taking other preventative measures to keep rats at bay. One effective strategy is to trim back low-hanging tree branches, as rats often use them as entry points into gardens. By maintaining your trees and removing potential pathways for rats, you can make it more difficult for them to access your property.
Another important tip is to collect and discard fallen fruit from trees, as this can attract rats looking for an easy food source. By eliminating potential food sources and making your garden less inviting to rats, you can reduce the likelihood of them taking up residence in your outdoor space.
For those who have bird feeders or tables in their gardens, it’s important to take extra precautions to prevent rats from accessing these food sources. The Really Wild Birdfood Co recommends using Vaseline on the pole of bird feeding stations to make it slippery and harder for rats to climb. Taller feeding stations are also recommended, as they are more challenging for rats to reach compared to those at ground level.
By following these tips and using the Vaseline hack, you can effectively deter rats from your garden and protect your property from these common pests. With a little effort and creativity, you can keep your outdoor space rat-free and enjoy a pest-free environment.