Common garden item could be attracting rats to your outdoor space

People are boycotting a popular garden item after seeing how it attracts unwanted pests to your garden. It comes after a viral video shows a mischief of rats circling a free-standing bird feeder, with two able to climb high enough to access the seeds inside them. The sight was enough to prompt the homeowner to remove the bird feeder - saying they'd rather go without seeing the birds.

However, one social media user suggested an alterative that allows them to enjoy the best of both words. They said: "I wiped the poll down with olive oil it was too slippery for these little buggers, they must have food else where they didn't return." But one user said: "I stopped feeding the birds because of rats, I was devastated.



" Another user added: "This is why I don’t have one!" A fourth user said: "That’s why I had to stop feeding the birds." According to Gardeners World , rats feed on a variety of foods from "spilt bird food and fruit, to root veg such as potatoes and carrots. In gardens, they can set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost bins.

" To deter them in your garden, they suggest keeping your yard tidy, moving things around, blocking access to decking and garden buildings, and removing water sources. A statement reads: "Rats are a common rodent in both the countryside and towns, so it's not unlikely that you will see a rat in your garden at some point. "To find out if you have a problem with rats, look for signs that they are living and feeding in your garden.

If you find signs of rat infestation, take measures to discourage them (as mentioned above), such as removing all food sources. This should encourage rats to move elsewhere. "The most humane way to get rid of rats is to deter them using the methods mentioned above.

"If you have tried all of these without any improvement or need to get rid of rats quickly, this may be the time to call a reputable pest control company. "Putting down poison or traps in the garden yourself can be dangerous to other garden wildlife.".