How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Yard

Many believe that if rodents are outside it’s not a big deal. This is misguided not just because they’re unhygienic, but also because if you have rats or mice outside, it’s probably only a matter of time until they try to sneak inside. That’s why effective rodent control and prevention begins outside of the home.

Don’t let your property become a haven for rodents. We have helpful tips and can teach you what it takes to keep rats and mice out of your yard.

Rat found on georgia property before owner learned how to keep rats out of his yard

Tips for Preventing Rodents in Your Yard

To prevent rodents in your yard, start by removing anything that might interest them. Namely, don’t give them access to food or anywhere comfortable to nest. Rodents will follow the path of least resistance – if you make it difficult for them to find what they need, they will go elsewhere to find it.

Here are some of the best ways to keep rats and mice out of your yard:

Keep your trash in lidded bins away from the home: Rats especially enjoy the scent of garbage and will likely be able to find something inside it that’s appetizing. Rats can smell through garbage bags and will chew through them to get to what they want.
Store firewood off the ground at least 20 feet away from your house: A big pile of firewood may not look comfortable to you or me, but to a rodent, few things are more inviting. It’s warm and protected from predators, and the soft material is perfect for chewing.
Routinely mow your lawn and trim back your landscaping: Rodents can more easily hide in overgrown grass. It’s also harder for you to find and remove potential rodent food items, for example, fallen fruit, when the grass is long.
Keep clutter, such as leaf piles, out of your yard: Rats may nest in leaf piles or use it for nesting material. Leaf piles also attract many other kinds of pests, which turn into food for rats and mice.
Pick up dog/pet feces: It sounds gross, but rats will even eat your pet’s feces if they can’t find anything else. Don’t give them the option.

Why Are There Rats in My Yard?

Most of our yards have everything rodents need to survive comfortably. However, some yards tend to attract rodents more often for various reasons. If your yard has any of the following features, it may be more likely to attract rodents.

Bird feeders/bird baths: When out of season or feeders aren’t in use, you may want to take them down to avoid encouraging rodents.
Compost piles: A warm compost pile can serve as both a buffet and a temporary shelter for rodents.
Chicken coops: Chicken coops offer many enticing treats to rodents.
Debris piles: Rodents see these as safe haven from natural predators.
Gardens or fruit trees: Collecting your fruit and veggies as soon as they’re ripe and ready can reduce the risk of attracting rodents.

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Car Engine

Yes, it happens. When temperatures drop, rats and mice will turn to almost any form of shelter to survive – including our cars. If you notice problems like a musty odor, droppings, or gnaw marks on the upholstery, you may have rodents in your vehicle.

To keep pests out of your car, try using some of these tips:

Keep the hood propped open while parked to keep the engine cold
Roll up all windows and ensure that the doors are closed
Place deterrents such as cedarwood or peppermint oil
Avoid leaving your car parked in one place for too long

Outdoor Rodent Prevention

Rats and mice are notoriously difficult to prevent, especially in outdoor spaces where we have less control over environmental factors. If you’ve tried keeping your yard neat and tidy but are still dealing with rodents, it may be time to consult a rodent control expert.

Our experienced team will identify what’s causing your infestation and build a customized treatment plan to ensure your rodent problems are a thing of the past. Want to learn more or get started? Call us today!

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