Does Decking Attract Rats?

Does the space under your garden composite decking attract rats? The short answer is no; this is an urban myth that circulated during the time outdoor decking became more popular. The truth is that while all gardens are at risk of being overrun by pests, thankfully they tend to prefer much dirtier, dank locations than your garden decking.

 Nevertheless, it is important to consider what you can do to both prevent and react to pests. The below article will outline the top tips, tricks and simple fixes that you can implement to reduce the threat of a rat infestation within your garden space.

Rats are natural scavengers and are therefore attracted to anywhere with food, water and shelter. Poor installation and decking maintenance can result in a higher chance of infestations. Thankfully, preventative measures are relatively easy. Be extra vigilant regarding food that may fall on your decking. We all love a summer BBQ, but loose crumbs from these outdoor meals will increase the likelihood of unwanted pests.

Bird feeders are also a contributing factor for attracting rats. Fear not, you can still put out treats for our feathered friends, but a quick sweep of the garden at the end of the day for any fallen pellets can make the world of difference. We suggest using a bird table rather than a hanging feeder to try and limit any dropped treats.

A common concern is that raised decking on sloping gardens can provide a substantial, warm shelter for pests. Sealing your composite is also a fantastic way of preventing pests from burrowing underneath your decking. Using chicken wire or a mesh and edging your composite properly can help block access for rodents. Similarly, fencing off your garden is an effective tool for keeping your garden rat free. Having a consistent, sealed boundary around your garden helps to remove the chance for rats to burrow and nest underneath hidden gaps.

If you want to avoid pests, it is important to keep your garden well looked after. Rats feel most at home hiding in unkempt overgrowth, including overgrown grass and hedgerows. Mowing your lawn and trimming hedges regularly will do a great deal to discourage pests. Rats avoid particularly pungent smells, so growing plants and vegetables with prominent natural odours such as garlic, lavender or mint may be an effective natural deterrent from rodents. Consider edging the borders of your deck and wider garden space with some of these odorous plants growing in planters.

In the event of a pest infestation, there are many pest control options available. Remove any decking lighting; rats are known to chew through wires, which will result in creating a fire hazard. Thankfully, plenty of humane solutions are on the market, such as non-lethal rat traps, that allow you to reclaim your garden without harming your unwelcome visitors.