'Expect to see a higher than average volume of rats' – how to protect your garden from rodent destruction this summer, according to the experts

With summer in full swing, most of us will be spending more time than ever in the garden. And it turns out that we’re not the only ones enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, home and pest experts are warning that rat activity has been peaking in 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 soar to record-breaking heights. Most of us have likely been worrying about how to keep our homes cool during these hot spells, but experts say it’s time to turn our attention outside in a bid to stop rats in the garden.

‘Rats are active throughout the year, but activity can increase during the summer months because the warmer weather creates ideal conditions for feeding and breeding,’ warns Kara Gammell, Home Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket.

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‘With this summer being extra hot and dry, our gardens are more appealing to rats. They are more likely to venture closer to homes and gardens as they search for water sources or food,’ she adds. We all know rats are a nuisance, but they can cause serious destruction if not dealt with, especially when it comes to outdoor wiring and garden appliances during the summer months.

‘Rat’s teeth never stop growing, so to keep them at a comfortable length and maintain their ability to eat properly, they need to gnaw on hard materials – which, unfortunately, includes wires,’ explains Adam Wilkins, managing director of Lightning Legends. ‘During the summer months, we tend to spend more time outdoors using garden lighting or electric lawn appliances, which often have exposed cables. These can be easily accessible to rats and may be used as something to gnaw on.’

‘Outdoor wiring is particularly vulnerable because it’s commonly hidden beneath decking, inside sheds, or behind outdoor kitchens and garden buildings. And these are places where rats feel safe from predators,’ adds Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager at BASF Pest Control Solutions.

‘Once rodents discover these sheltered areas, cables can quickly become damaged through repeated gnawing,’ he adds. So, even if you’ve never seen a rat in your garden, it’s wise to check your appliances and garden wiring for hidden signs.

If your outdoor wiring has been damaged, you might be wondering how serious this can be. And, you’re likely asking yourself how to keep rats away from your garden appliances. I asked the experts all you need to know.

The consequences of damaged wires

From outdoor lighting ideas to lawn care equipment, you’ll likely have more wired appliances in your garden that you initially realise. So it’s important to ensure they stay in good condition, especially as this summer has the perfect conditions for a surge in rat activity – ‘we can expect to see a higher than average volume of rats in the summer, particularly during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather,’ explains Laurence.

Many pests just cause aesthetic damage to our gardens, but chewed wires can carry serious consequences. ‘Once the protective insulation has been stripped away, exposed wiring can create a serious fire risk, particularly if it comes into contact with combustible materials such as timber structures, fencing or dry garden debris,’ says Laurence.’

‘Damaged wiring can also cause outdoor lighting, water features, electric gates and other garden appliances to fail unexpectedly, often leading to expensive repairs,’ he adds. And, from a home insurance point of view, the costs will just keep rising.

‘Standard home insurance typically won’t cover pest infestations because insurers view it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, unforeseen event like a fire or storm,’ explains Kara. ‘That means the cost of removing rats – or repairing the damage to your garden appliances – will likely come straight out of your own pocket.’

‘Some insurers do offer home emergency cover as an optional extra, and this can sometimes include pest removal. But don't assume you're fully protected,’ she adds. ‘This type of cover generally won't pay out for any damage rats cause to your property, and outbuildings such as sheds and garages are also often excluded.’

How to stop rats damaging your garden appliances

If rats get to your garden wires, you’ll likely be left with damaged equipment and a big bill to pay, so it’s important to keep your garden undesirable for them. ‘Rats may be small, but the damage that they can cause can be huge,’ says Kara. ‘Taking preventative steps to keep rodents out is far cheaper – and far less stressful – than dealing with an infestation once they've moved in.’

In sunny spells, 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 rats and avoid leaving food waste outdoors or exposed in any way. Stay on top of maintenance, too. Dripping taps and leaking pipes will provide a water source for rats,’ says Kara.

Rats are also known to seek shelter in gardens, so be sure to keep this in mind when tending to your garden. ‘Keeping lawns and vegetation well maintained, removing piles of debris and blocking access beneath decking or into sheds will reduce the number of places rats can shelter and nest,’ says Laurence.

As well as keeping rats away from your garden, it’s also vital to make sure your electrical wires are protected. ‘There are several ways to help prevent rats from chewing through wires during the summer,’ says Andrew. ‘Protective cable coverings or anti-rodent tape is a good place to start, they can make cables more difficult to gnaw and help reduce damage.’ This option from Amazon should do the trick.

‘If possible, clipping wires higher up and off the ground can also help make them less accessible to rats. This is easier to do with equipment installed above ground level, such as outdoor lighting and security cameras,’ Andrew explains.

Or, opt for stylish wireless garden appliances – like battery-powered lamps – to keep your outdoor space feeling neat and cosy.