What should I do about mice, rats, or squirrels?
If you have any type of rodent inside your home, report this to us as soon as possible. You can report pest problems inside your home to us at anytime, anywhere using My Account or contact us via Live Chat.
If you’ve seen any rodents in a communal area, for example a corridor, report this to the environmental health team at your local council and then let us know.
They’re in my garden
We don’t offer any kind of pest control service outside of your home.
If you have mice, rats, squirrels, or any other type of rodent in your garden, or have seen them outside the property, here’s some helpful hints, tips, and advice you could try to help manage the problem:
- Stop feeding wild birds and animals
Many rats are attracted by fallen food from bird feeders and will climb up feeding stations. Squirrel proof feeders may help, but if you suspect an infestation stop feeding birds or hedgehogs. If you have them, make sure your chicken runs are secure. Store bird and other animal food in secure containers.
- Keep your garden tidy
Tidy gardens are less likely to attract rats as they provide less cover. Keep grass short, clear cluttered storage areas, remove rubbish, and reduce overgrown areas, especially near fences or garden buildings.
- Move things around
Rats are ‘neo-phobic’, which means they have a fear of new things. They don’t like disruption to their territory, so place obstacles in their runs and move things around in the garden frequently.
- Block access to decking
The space beneath decking is perfect for rats as it’s sheltered, hard to reach and food scraps can fall between the planks. Sweep up any fallen food after eating outside. Block access if possible or consider installing a patio if the problem persists.
- Block access to garden buildings
Be sure to block any holes in the walls, floors, and doors of your garden buildings securely. You could add a metal ‘kick plate’ to your shed door to prevent entry.
- Protect your compost bin
Make your bin or heap uninviting, don’t add food scraps and include green and brown materials so it’s moist. Put chicken wire underneath to prevent access. Turn it regularly, but bear in mind that other wildlife might be using compost heaps too. If rats have made a home in your bin, don’t use the compost on edible crops.
- Remove water sources
Unlike mice, rats can’t survive without water. If possible, remove water sources from your garden, including dripping taps. Secure drains and add baffles (a flow-directing panel) to drainpipes.
If you still need additional support in getting rid of rats or other pests in your garden, you should instruct a pest control company which would be at your own cost or contact your local authority. To find the local council click here.
