BRITS are being warned to brace for a terrifying rat invasion that will see the vermin overrun households across the nation.
The cooler weather will force rats to seek shelter inside after enjoying perfect breeding conditions during Britain’s scorching summer heatwave.
large rat black mink with dark eyes on a wooden surface, focus on the head on a blurred background[/caption]
The vermin have flourished under a summer full of abundant food and toasty temperatures, leading to fears this year’s flock of rats could be bigger than ever.
Rats can give birth to over 80 babies every year, and experts believe massive numbers could be set to scrounge their way inside people’s homes as temperatures fall over the coming weeks and months.
The animal’s food sources become scarce as the weather worsens, which could see millions of Brits gain an unwelcome new family pet as the critters seek to survive the winter months ahead.
Gardening experts are now warning people to protect their homes from the incoming rat invasion.
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Chris Bonnett, the founder of Gardening Express said: “It is time to protect your garden, and home, now.
“When rats get hungry, they will eat virtually anything – even dog poo, so you really don’t want these randy infested ultra-rats around.
“Some of the imperative measures to take to protect yourself and your home are laying preventive scents around your home and clearing any rubbish, debris and garden waste that’s accumulated during summer.”
Gardening Express shared their top tips for keeping the pesky vermin out of your home:
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Limit your garden’s food sources
Make sure to harvest as much of the food grown in your garden over the summer as soon as possible.
This includes anything from vegetable patches and apple trees to berry bushes and underground carrots.
Clean up outside
A garden full of clutter is ideal for rats, as they look to find a new place to nest over the cooler, wetter months.
Rubbish, debris and garden waste that built up as Brits enjoyed the scorching summer weather now needs to be quickly cleared.
Beware bird tables
While they might be a favourite of garden-lovers for attracting birds to your yard, they are also appealing to another animal – rats.
If you do have a bird table that has caught the eye of a rat family, quickly remove the food source as soon as possible.
Keeping your bird table away from trees, fences and shrubs will help keep the vermin away as they are known to be expert climbers.
Keep your doors closed
This tip extends well beyond keeping your front door shut, as rats are notorious for creeping into sheds and garages.
Make sure to close up any gaps, as rats will try and squeeze themselves through to get inside.
Protect your pet food
As rats scurry around for new food sources, sacks of pet food left in sheds and garages will certainly be popular for the pesky critters.
As well as keeping a lid on your pet food, anything edible should be stored in a lidded bin or bucket – which work best if they are metal, as rats have a great sense of smell and can chew through plastic.
Fix your drains
Check your home’s drain grates are intact and all drains are covered, and replace them urgently if needed.
Also look around the perimeter of your house, and check any air-bricks or potential weak points of entry – as determined rats are set to try and break through.
Cut off water access
As well as seeking out new food sources, a rats survival depends on finding water.
This means if your home has a dripping garden tap, water-butt or a blocked drain, get it sorted now.
Safeguard your compost heap
Rats seeking a new home are bound to love a compost heap, especially if there are food scraps in it.
Don’t put food waste in, and instead turn it and keep it wet.
It is also worth thinking about keeping it covered up or enclosed in chicken wire to stave off the incoming vermin.
Keep an eye on your greenhouse
Brits with a cold-frame or greenhouse need to make sure they haven’t got stacks of pots and trays, which provide perfect shelter for rats looking for a warm spot over the festive period.
Consider traps
As a last resort once the critters have made their way inside your home, you should be prepared to invest in traps and baits to halt any incoming rat infestations.