With summer in full swing, most of us will be spending more time in the garden than ever before. And it turns out we’re not the only ones enjoying the outdoors. In fact, home and pest experts are warning that rodent activity peaks during heatwave conditions, posing a serious threat to our gardens.
By now, it’s clear that this has been a summer like no other. Since late May, we’ve experienced week-long heatwaves and seen temperatures rise to record-breaking highs. Most of us have probably been worried How to keep our house cool During these hot spells, however, experts say it’s time to turn our attention outwards Stop rats in the garden.
‘Rats are active year-round, but activity can increase in the summer months as warmer weather creates ideal conditions for feeding and breeding,’ warns Cara Gamel, home insurance expert. MoneySupermarket.
‘With this summer being hotter and drier, our gardens are more attractive to rodents. They are more likely to move close to houses and gardens as they search for water sources or food,’ she adds. We all know rats are a nuisance, but if left untreated they can cause serious havoc, especially when it comes to outdoor wiring and garden equipment during the summer months.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Nicola Warburton)
‘Rats’ teeth never stop growing, so to keep them at a comfortable length and maintain the ability to eat properly, they need to grind on hard materials – which unfortunately includes wire,’ explains Adam Wilkins, Managing Director. Lightning Legends. ‘During the summer months, we spend more time outside using the garden Lighting or electric lawn Devices, which often have exposed cables. These may be easily accessible to rodents and may be used as scavengers.’
‘Outdoor wiring is particularly vulnerable as it is usually hidden under decking, inside sheds or behind outdoor kitchen and garden buildings. And these are places where rats feel safe from predators,’ adds Lawrence Barnard, Country Business Manager. BASF Pest Control Solutions.
‘Once rodents find these shelters, cables can be damaged quickly by repeated gnawing,’ he adds. So, if you never did saw It is wise to check your appliances and garden wiring for signs of rodents in your garden.
If your outdoor wiring has been damaged, you may be wondering how serious this could be. And, you’re probably asking yourself how Keep rats out of your garden Devices I asked the experts what you need to know.
Damaged wires result
from Consider outdoor lighting As for lawn care equipment, you may have more wired devices in your garden than you initially realize. So it’s important to ensure they stay in good condition, especially as conditions are right for increased rodent activity this summer – ‘We can expect to see more rodents than average this summer, especially during long periods of hot, dry weather,’ Lawrence explains.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Many pests only cause aesthetic damage to our gardens, but chewing wireworms can have serious consequences. ‘Once the protective insulation is stripped away, exposed wiring can pose a serious fire hazard, particularly if it comes into contact with combustible materials such as wooden structures, fences or dry garden debris,’ says Lawrence.
‘Damaged wiring can also cause outdoor lighting, water features, electric gates and other garden equipment to fail unexpectedly, often leading to costly repairs,’ he adds. And, from a home insurance standpoint, costs will continue to rise.
‘Standard home insurance doesn’t usually cover pest infestations because insurance companies see it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, unexpected event like a fire or storm,’ explains Cara. ‘That means the cost of removing the rats – or repairing damage to your garden equipment – will likely come out of your own pocket.’
‘Some insurers offer home emergency cover as an optional extra, and this can sometimes include pest removal. But don’t assume you’re completely safe,’ she adds. ‘This type of cover will not usually pay for any damage to your property caused by rodents, and outbuildings such as sheds and garages are also often excluded.’
How to stop rodents from damaging your garden equipment
If rodents get to your garden wire, you’ll be left with damaged equipment and big bills to pay, so it’s important to keep your garden free of them. ‘Rats may be small, but the damage they can cause can be huge,’ says Cara. ‘It’s much cheaper to take preventative measures to keep rats out – and a lot less stressful – than dealing with an infestation once they’re in.’
(Image credit: Getty Images / Paul Grace Photography Somersham)
During a sunny spell, rats are drawn to our homes in search of food and water. If they can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll likely leave your garden in peace. ‘Keep rubbish secure and out of reach of any rodents and avoid leaving food waste outside or exposed in any way. Also stay on top of maintenance. Dripping taps and leaking pipes will provide a source of water for rats,’ says Kara.
Rodents are also known to seek shelter in gardens, so be sure to keep this in mind when tending to your garden. ‘Well-maintained lawns and vegetation, removing piles of debris and blocking access under decking or sheds will reduce the number of places rats can shelter and nest,’ says Lawrence.
(Image credit: Getty Images / Helen Reed)
As well as keeping rodents out of your garden, it’s also important to make sure your electrical wires are secure. ‘There are many ways to help keep mice from chewing wires during the summer,’ says Andrew. ‘Protective cable coverings or anti-rodent tape are a good place to start, they can make the cable more difficult to gnaw on and help reduce damage.’ This option from Amazon should do the trick.
‘If possible, clipping the wires up and off the ground can also help make them less accessible to rodents. This is easy to do with equipment installed above ground level, such as outdoor lighting and security cameras,’ explains Andrew.
Or, opt for stylish wireless garden appliances – such as battery-operated lamps – to make your outdoor space feel neat and comfortable.
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Kufluk Cordless LED Solar Table Lamp Outdoor with USB Rechargeable
Dunelm
Flexicell Harry Rechargeable LED Outdoor Wall Light
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Solar Smoked Glass Hanging Light – Pack of 2
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