Grand Rapids Rat Removal Tip: Eliminating Rats From Your Garden Takes Work

Your garden is your pride and joy. It is the culmination of your time and efforts. Unfortunately, rats often invade and decide to indulge in the fruits of your labor.

Rats are pesky little rodents. They are dirty and persistent. If left unattended, they will destroy a garden and everything in it. Eventually, they will move inside along with all the diseases they carry.

Believe it or not, it is possible to rat proof a garden. It just takes the right knowledge and some hard work. Here are a few tips to help you rid your garden of rats.

Eliminate Attractants

Rats love to burrow. Although mulch is great nutrients for a garden, it also attracts rats. It virtually invites them in to burrow and nest while they feed on the fruits of your labor. If mulch is an absolute necessity, opt for wood chips instead. It is much less inviting.

Rats are usually in search of food and water. If they find that they have an endless food supply in your garden, they will likely never leave. However, if you must grow fruits and vegetables, there are a few other ways to repel rats.

Natural Deterrents

One of the easiest things you can do to rid your garden of rats is to use a natural deterrent. Get an outdoor cat, for instance. One of these will certainly reduce the rat population. Cats love catching mice and rats. One of the best things about an outdoor cat is that they can fend for themselves, for the most part.

Another natural deterrent is herbs. Rodents hate the strong stench of mint, basil, onions and garlic. You can grow these around the borders of your garden and rodents will run the other way. If you don't want to actually grow these herbs, there are some options.

First, you can sprinkle dried mint around the outside of your garden. You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and put those out. Just remember to replace them weekly.

Throwing out onions will have the same effect. However, if you have household pets you must be careful. Onions are poisonous to dogs and can make them very ill.

Permanent Elimination

Permanent elimination is also an option, if you want to kill the little rodents. You can spread instant mashed potato flakes around where ever you suspect an infestation. Rodents will eat them, and the flakes will expand in their stomachs. They will die before they've had time to digest anything. Of course, you will likely have to rid your garden of the carcasses. You'll also want to ensure that pets do not ingest the flakes but they will take care of the rat problem.