With spring around the corner, you may be tempted to dust off your garden furniture or start planning the season’s first barbecue. 

But you might have some unwanted guests, as experts warned that your backyard is a ‘safe haven’ for rats amid a surge of infestations across the UK. 

Pest control firm Rentokil reported a staggering 26 per cent increase in rodent sightings in Northern Ireland, with double-digit spikes in England, the West Midlands, and Scotland.

‘Rats are extremely adaptable, and gardens can unintentionally provide everything they need to survive: shelter, food, and undisturbed nesting areas,’ said Edris Latifi, who runs EcoCare Pest Management.

‘One of the biggest misconceptions is that rats are only attracted to dirty or neglected environments. In reality, even tidy, well-maintained gardens can attract them if food is available and nesting areas remain undisturbed,’ he added. 

Experts told the Daily Mail how to spot the signs of an infestation, the most common outdoor hiding places, and the serious health risks that can arise if you don’t act quickly. 

If you’re worried your garden may have become overrun with rats, look for things like small droppings as well as holes and burrows around the edges of decking – one of the most common rat nesting spots. 

Rats also like to stay close to walls and fences when in new environments, added  Robin Antill of 1st Choice Leisure Buildings, which can leave ‘dirty and oily smears’.

In enclosed spaces like sheds, you might be able to smell a pungent ammonia smell as rats mark their territory with urine. 

Experts warned that your backyard is a ‘safe haven’ for rats amid a surge of infestations across the UK

1. Hot tubs 

Hot tubs can attract rats indirectly if they are not maintained properly, as they provide a reliable water source, similar to ponds. 

To prevent rats from accessing an outdoor pool or hot tub, install a mesh lining that acts as a barrier and make sure you keep areas around it dry. 

2. Outdoor furniture

While outdoor furniture itself is not a primary attractor for rats, it can create hidden, undisturbed spaces where they may nest. 

They can burrow both underneath and behind, but they can also hide under cushions, where there is more warmth, and they might find things like pet food, meaning they don’t have to go out to eat or gather food for their young, said Mr Antill. 

3. Decking 

If your garden has decking, this can be a common nesting area for rats because it provides dry, hidden shelter and stable temperatures, said pest control expert Daniel Steward from Shield Pest Control. 

It is therefore crucial to be careful with food leftovers that may fall through the gaps in the decking, as this can create an accessible food source for rats. 

He recommends installing a barrier that prevents rodents from accessing the space underneath the decking and nesting. 

 4. Shrubbery 

It’s also important to clear out any dense, overgrown shrubs, where rats are protected from predators and the weather. 

Pest control firm Rentokil reported a staggering 26 per cent increase in rodent sightings in Northern Ireland, with double-digit spikes in England, the West Midlands, and Scotland

Always trim back any vegetation that could serve as a hidden nesting area, said Mr Latifi.  

5. Compost bins 

Compost can also attract rats because it provides a damp environment with access to food sources. 

You can rat-proof your compost bin by ensuring it has a secure, tightly fitting lid as Mr Latifi added it’s best to avoid adding cooked food scraps.

Bird feeders are another major attractor, as they provide a readily available food source that rats can easily return to. 

Investing in a rodent-proof bird feeder, or one with a catch tray to prevent feed from spilling onto the ground, can help reduce attraction, said Mr Steward. 

If you’re dealing with an infestation…

The key is always to act swiftly as they can spread dangerous diseases through their droppings and urine. 

Andy Simms from MyBuilder.com said: ‘Begin by eliminating food and water sources.

‘This includes checking your rubbish bins for any cracks – rats can access your bins through even the smallest of gaps. If you notice any, your bin may need replacing.’ 

It’s also recommended that you only put out your bird feeder during the day when you’re in the garden, and remove any standing water from tubs or pools. 

Finally, clear away any build-up of leaves or sticks that could act as a shelter. 

If you complete these jobs and you still notice rats in your garden, it’s best to call pest control for help.