
Rats are resilient, opportunistic pests, and once they take up residence in your yard, they can quickly become a major problem. The most effective approach is proactive deterrence: controlling your outdoor environment to remove the three essentials rats need to survive – food, water, and shelter.
Start by securing trash cans, cleaning up fallen fruit, and storing pet food indoors to cut off food sources. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaky hoses or birdbaths, and trim overgrown vegetation. Seal gaps in fences and clear clutter such as woodpiles or debris that could serve as hiding spots.