Dealing with rodents in the summer

As summer draws to a close, farmers across the countryside are reaching the final stages of harvest. While this marks the successful gathering of crops, it also signals a major disruption for local wildlife - particularly rodents. For months, fields have provided mice and rats with warmth, shelter, and a plentiful food supply. Once those crops are cut down, those same rodents are suddenly displaced and forced to search for somewhere new to live.

Unfortunately, that “somewhere new” can often end up being your garden - or even your home - if the right precautions aren’t taken.

One of the most effective ways to prevent rodents from settling nearby is to deny them shelter. Sheds and outbuildings are a common target, especially if there are gaps underneath or around the structure. Fitting wire mesh over these access points can help, but it’s important to remember just how small mice can be - able to squeeze through gaps no larger than a biro pen. Using mesh with openings no larger than 5mm is essential to properly block their entry.

A tidy garden also goes a long way in deterring unwanted guests. Piles of clutter, unused materials, or garden debris provide ideal hiding spots for rodents looking to build a nest. Removing these eliminates many of the sheltered spaces they rely on.

Food availability is another major factor. Rodents are opportunistic feeders, and gardens often provide more food than we realise. Bird seed and food scraps left out for birds are frequently consumed by mice and rats instead. Bird feeders are easily climbed unless preventative measures are in place. Ensuring that no food is left on the ground and fitting a baffle—a conical guard that prevents rodents from climbing feeder poles—can significantly reduce this risk. Any bird seed or chicken feed should be stored in secure metal containers, as rats can chew through plastic with ease.

Compost heaps are also highly attractive to rodents, offering both warmth and food. If you compost, make sure it’s done in a secure bin with a tight-fitting lid to prevent nesting.

Rodents reproduce at an alarming rate. With a gestation period of just 21 days and litters of up to 12 pups, populations can grow rapidly. Female mice and rats can reach sexual maturity in as little as four weeks, meaning a small, unnoticed problem can quickly escalate into a serious infestation if left unchecked.

If rodents are allowed to thrive in your garden, it’s only a matter of time before they attempt to make their way indoors. Alongside good housekeeping and exclusion methods, using bait as part of a wider control strategy can help keep numbers under control.

Securely fixed bait boxes placed around the exterior of your property provide both monitoring and control. Block baits, such as Ruby blocks, are particularly effective for monitoring activity, as any feeding is clearly visible through tooth marks. These blocks can also be safely secured inside bait boxes, preventing them from being dragged into the surrounding environment.

During warmer months, it can be tempting to leave doors open to cool the house, but this also offers rodents an easy entry point. Keeping doors closed when unattended and checking the exterior of your property for gaps or holes can help prevent access. If rodents do make their way inside, there are a variety of bait formulations available to achieve effective control.

We offer both professional and non-professional bait options, giving everyone the opportunity to tackle rodent issues themselves. Professional-strength rodenticides require certification to purchase, but we make this accessible through our e-learning courses. These courses not only provide the necessary certification but also offer valuable insight into rodent behaviour, helping you manage current issues more effectively and stay better prepared for any future visits.

Taking action early, understanding the risks, and putting the right measures in place can make all the difference in keeping your home and garden rodent-free.