Rats in Gardens and Compounds: Keeping Them Away from the House

Gardens and compounds give rats food, water and shelter: fallen fruit, compost, bird seed, dense shrubs and piles of stored items. A rat in the garden is not yet a rat in the house, but it is only a short run to the nearest gap.

This guide explains how to reduce the attraction and protect the house.

The short answer

Rats are drawn to gardens by food sources such as fallen fruit, compost, bird feed, pet food and waste, by water from leaks and pooling, and by cover from dense plants, wood piles and clutter. Keep the garden tidy, remove food and waste, store compost and bins securely, trim vegetation away from walls, clear clutter, seal the house against entry and, if you find burrows or heavy activity, call a professional. The goal is to make the compound less attractive and the house hard to enter.

What attracts rats outdoors

• Fallen fruit and coconuts.
• Compost heaps and open waste.
• Bird feeders, grain and pet food left outside.
• Dense shrubs, ivy and climbing plants against walls.
• Wood piles, stacked bricks and debris.
• Water sources, such as leaks and pooled water.

Signs of rats outdoors

1. Burrow holes around walls, under paving and near foundations.
2. Droppings along paths and walls.
3. Gnawed fruit and coconuts.
4. Runways: flattened trails in grass and along walls.
5. Greasy rub marks.

How to reduce the attraction

• Pick up fallen fruit regularly.
• Keep compost in closed containers and avoid adding cooked food.
• Use lidded bins, and keep waste off the ground.
• Do not leave pet food or bird seed out overnight.
• Trim plants so they do not touch walls or roofs.
• Remove piles of wood, rubble and unused items, or store them off the ground away from the house.
• Fix leaks and improve drainage.

Protecting the house

1. Seal gaps around pipes, vents, drains and under doors.
2. Cover drains with tight grates.
3. Keep doors and gates closed, and fit door sweeps.
4. Prune branches that touch the roof.
5. Keep a clear strip around the foundation.

If you find burrows

Do not just fill them in, since rats may dig new ones. Call a professional to treat and proof the area. Be careful with poison in gardens with children, pets or wildlife.

When to call a professional

If you see burrows, many droppings or rats entering the house, call a professional for inspection and a coordinated plan.

Frequently asked questions

Do rats in the garden mean rats in the house?

Not necessarily, but they can easily move in if there are gaps.

Is compost a problem?

It can be if it is open or has food scraps. Use closed containers.

Can a cat or dog keep rats away?

Not reliably. See our guide on pets and rats.

Should I use poison in the garden?

Be careful. Pets, children and wildlife can be harmed. Use professionals.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on rodent control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full rodent control guide for Bangalore.