Pest control specialists are recommending that households place washing-up scourers in their gardens to deter rats, as the material blocks entry routes and is difficult for the rodents to chew through.
As temperatures drop and outdoor food becomes scarce, rats seek warmth and refuge indoors, but gardens are typically the first areas they colonise. Late summer and early autumn are critical times for rodent behaviour, as gardens often offer convenient access to nourishment, water and protection.
Signs of rats in gardens
Before implementing deterrent measures, it is sensible to verify that rats are indeed the issue. The initial step involves searching for small openings in the earth measuring approximately five to 10cm in diameter with smooth perimeters. Burrows are commonly discovered around shed foundations, beneath decking, or alongside walls and fencing, and may feature disturbed soil nearby.
While rats are known to burrow, they will also construct surface nests, particularly when rearing their young. These nests are typically fashioned from twigs, leaves, and grass, though they can equally be built using man-made materials such as shredded cardboard, insulation, or paper.
Rat droppings are another telltale sign. Dark brown to black in colour and shaped like a grain of rice, they generally measure around one to 2cm in length and tend to appear in clusters. They are larger than mouse droppings and darker than those left by squirrels, which makes identification considerably easier. Gnaw marks on wooden sheds, plastic bin lids, garden tools, plant pots, hoses, and even concrete or brick may also be noticed.
How to use washing-up scourers
Once a rat problem has been identified, pest control professionals advise filling entry points to both the garden and home with scouring pads. These locations include gaps in fencing, at the entrance to rat burrows, and between the home's foundations and the ground.
Specialists at Positive Pest Management observed that scouring pads function to "keep them away", as they obstruct entry routes. The experts stated: "By filling the gaps and other rat entry points with scouring pads, rats will have a hard time chewing through the material. This is because the material gets stuck in their teeth, making it difficult for them to move or chew."
Pest specialists at Rentokil also praise scourers as a "great option" that has proven to be "effective in keeping rats away" because they are unable to chew through the tough material.
