As much as we don’t want to have a rat or mouse infestation in the house, we also don’t want to see them scurrying about in the garden.

Rodents can cause a huge amount of damage to property and can spread diseases, so it’s important to keep on top of populations and take action if a problem does start to manifest itself.

Keep a close eye on places like your compost heap, your greenhouse, any sheds you have and any decked areas, as rats, mice and other such vermin love to make little nests for themselves in spots like these, which are nice and dark, warm and relatively safe.

There are ways in which you can help stop a rodent invasion in your garden, which you may like to consider if you are starting to get a bit worried that you might have an issue on your hands.

First of all, think about how you go about feeding the birds. Don’t have too many feeders as an overabundance could prove to be a draw for rats, mice, squirrels and other unwanted creatures.

It may be necessary to remove the bird feeders for a time if rodents are making their presence felt, as they’ll be attracted to the grain and won’t go anywhere if they think there’s easy access to food.

Regular outdoor cleaning can also help keep populations down. If you have an outdoor eating area, make sure it’s swept up regularly – particularly after entertaining – so that there’s nothing for pests to eat. Blocking access to the underneath of the decking can also make it harder for rodents to set up shop.

Securing your compost heap, if you have one, is also a wise move, as rodents are sure to find scraps to enjoy and places in which they can hide. Fix some chicken wire around the base, as this will make it harder for rodents to gain access from beneath the bin.

If you’re still experiencing difficulties where rats, mice and other pests are concerned, get in touch with rodent pest control company The Exterminator Pest Control.