Preventing rats

Allotment guidelines

Everyone has a role in keeping rats away from the allotment site. By following these simple tips, you can reduce the chances of rats visiting your plot.

Food safety

• Always wash any fruit or vegetables you harvest.
• Don’t eat anything that shows signs of rat damage.

Compost bins

• Turn your compost regularly to keep it fresh.
• Never add meat, dairy, bones, bread, or cooked food , these attract rats.
• Keep your bin away from sheds, fences, or overgrown areas rats prefer quiet, hidden spots.
• Place your bin on a solid base like paving slabs or wire mesh to stop rats burrowing underneath.

Rats can squeeze through gaps of 15mm and have powerful teeth so consider using galvanised light welded mesh 13mm x 13mm.

Keeping your plot tidy

• Pick ripe produce as soon as it’s ready and don’t leave food lying around.
• Avoid piling up wood, logs, or other materials that could become nesting spots.
• Store seeds and food in metal containers to keep them safe.
• If you keep chickens, clean their area regularly and only feed small amounts at a time.
• Make sure water containers and water for animals are covered and secure.