While rats outside may seem less concerning than indoors, they can still threaten your property and surroundings. To prevent these pests from infiltrating your outdoor spaces and potentially making their way indoors, it's essential to employ effective rat control measures. 

Here are five proven methods to get rid of rats outside:

1. Remove Food Sources: Rats are attracted to areas with readily available food sources, so the first step in rat control outside is to eliminate potential food sources. Store garbage bins tightly sealed and away from the house, clean up fallen fruits and vegetables from gardens, and avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight. By depriving rats of access to food, you can make your outdoor spaces less appealing to these pests.
2. Eliminate Shelter: Rats seek shelter in dense vegetation, cluttered areas, and piles of debris, so it's essential to remove potential hiding spots from your outdoor spaces. Trim overgrown vegetation, clear away brush and debris, and organize storage areas to eliminate potential nesting sites. Reducing clutter and creating open, well-maintained spaces can make it more difficult for rats to find shelter on your property.
3. Seal Entry Points: Prevent rats from gaining access to your home by sealing off potential entry points around the exterior of your house. Inspect the foundation, walls, and roof for cracks, gaps, and openings that rats could use to enter your home. Use steel wool, wire mesh, and caulk to seal off entry points and prevent rats from finding their way indoors. Additionally, consider installing door sweeps and window screens to deter rodents from entering your home. For more details about how to get rid of rats outside you can visit Pest Control: Doing Away With Rats.
4. Install Rat Traps: Traps are an effective way to catch and eliminate rats that are already in outdoor spaces. Various types of traps are available, including snap traps, glue traps, and live traps. Place traps along rat pathways, near entry points, and where rat activity is high, baited with enticing foods like peanut butter or dried fruit. Check traps regularly and dispose of captured rats promptly to prevent odours and contamination.
5. Use Rat Repellents: Several natural and commercial rat repellents are available that can help deter rats from your outdoor spaces. Peppermint oil, ammonia, and predator urine are commonly used natural repellents. At the same time, commercial products may contain ingredients like castor oil or mothballs. Apply repellents around the perimeter of your property, focusing on areas where rats are likely to enter or frequent. While repellents may not provide complete protection, they can be used with other rat control methods for added effectiveness.

By employing these five effective methods—removing food sources, eliminating shelter, sealing entry points, installing traps, and using rat repellents—you can get rid of rats outside and protect your property from these unwanted pests. With diligence and persistence, you can create a rat-free outdoor environment where you can enjoy outdoor spaces without fear of rodent infestation.