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Gardening & Landscaping

Rats in Garden

Anonymous user 23/09/2026 - 8.08 AM

For the last couple of years we’ve had rats getting into our garden by digging under neighbouring fencing surrounding our garden. They seem to be using our garden as part of a rat run as there’s no food or water available to them in our garden, they just seem to run from one side of the fence the another for access. We’ve tried everything, smelly rat deterrents, bait boxes etc etc. etc. As a last resort we dug all around the perimeter of the fence and put wire mesh down in a L shape attached to fence and running under soil as far as we could. This seemed to work for a while. The holes under the fence didn’t reappear for weeks and no sight of any rats. Then yesterday, we spotted a ratty running along the edge of our patio. On investigation, a hole was discovered. The little blighter had dug about 60cm from the fence, under the wire mesh and come up through the rootball of a acer plant! It seems our only option now in a bid to get rid is to pay £300 for a professional to come in and sort the problem, but is it worth it? Is it possible to eradicate rats if they’re coming from outside the perimeter of our garden. Will the rats just eventually come back. Anyone any ideas on the best way forward. I can’t just live with them. I have an irrational fear and will not go into the garden knowing they are about and have access. I’m at my wits end trying to stop them. Any help, suggestions would be really appreciated. Any gardeners/landscapers that have successfully dealt with a similar situation? Any help/advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated before I waste any money money trying to resolve the situation. Thanks Jx

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1 Answer

Murphy & Daly

Rating: 5 out of 5
Norwich
As your garden is purely a rat run, either continue with the wire in the ground, with the 'L' shape but dig it in deeper. The best way to stop rats is to remove the shelter, food or water source they are attracted to, but if this is not possible as in another garden, you may need to speak to the neighbour with the rats as it is a bye-law offence. If the neighbour does nothing, inform your council to advise your neighbour. If there is no neighbour, where the rats are coming from, let me know.
Answered23 September 2026
0