Rats are present in virtually every garden, according to renowned horticulturist and broadcaster Peter Dowdall, who has shared straightforward measures to deter them during the hot summer weather. July is a peak period for young rodents venturing out in search of new territory, making vigilance essential.
The Rat Reality: They Are Everywhere
Peter Dowdall, widely known as The Irish Gardener, cautioned: "They are in probably 100% of gardens." Rats emerge at night when gardens are quiet and unseen. Sheds, hedgerows and dark corners are their favourite haunts, so homeowners should be alert for signs of rats when using outdoor spaces.
Simple Hygiene Is the Key
Dowdall stressed that quick fixes rarely work. Instead, maintaining basic hygiene is crucial. "It all comes down to, and it's not a miracle thing, but if you want the proper answer to it, rats are in probably 100% of gardens," he told this reporter. "It is all about making sure you are not giving them a reason to stay in your garden, that you are not giving them a reason to nest, it comes down to a lot of hygiene really."
With three decades of experience, he advises eliminating the three things rats seek: food, water and shelter. The most frequent error is disposing of cooked food waste in open compost bins, which attracts rodents. "Never throw cooked food waste into an open compost bin because that will draw rats. If you give them a food source, a water source, and somewhere safe to nest, then they will stay," he said.
Heatwave Gardening Advice
Beyond rat control, Dowdall offered tips for gardeners during heatwaves, noting that many panic when temperatures rise. He emphasised focusing on what matters most rather than tackling everything at once. "Some plants will cope well. Others may wilt during the day and recover in the evening. The key is knowing what really needs help and what can be left alone," he said.
Priority: New Plantings
Newly planted shrubs, trees, hedges and perennials should be top priority as their roots are still establishing. Dowdall recommends watering them deeply rather than giving a quick splash. "If the ground is very dry, water once, wait a little, then water again so moisture has time to soak down," he advised.
Water Early or Late
The optimum watering time is early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Water should be directed at the soil, not the leaves, as roots need moisture most.
Pots and Baskets Need Daily Care
Containers dry out faster than ground plants and may need watering daily or more. Dowdall suggests moving vulnerable pots out of harsh afternoon sun and clustering them to create a cooler microclimate.
For more seasonal gardening advice, visit the Garden Q&A with Peter Dowdall page.
