Renowned gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has shared a crucial lawn care task that could help keep rats away from your garden this summer. With warmer weather encouraging more time outdoors, rat problems can increase, but this simple step may naturally deter them.
The Advice
In a video for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Titchmarsh explained that rats are 'furtive' and prefer cover and shelter, so they do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. He advised: 'Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see. Look, no rats.'
He also highlighted the compost heap as a favourite spot for rats, due to the heat generated by rotting vegetation. To prevent this, he recommended ensuring the structure is solid, noting that in his own garden he has 'really strong wooden sides' and 'steel sheeting right around the back'.
Impact on Wildlife
While this approach may deter some wildlife, allowing grass to grow longer supports ground-nesting insects and provides refuge for other insects. Longer grass also retains moisture better, and weeds like dandelions offer a vital food source for emerging spring insects.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and the extent of any rat problem. Rat populations in the UK can range from 10 million to over 100 million, with brown rats being the most common species.
