Rat Sheds and decking are two of the most common places rats settle in gardens around Soham. Both offer something rats need: shelter that is dry, dark, rarely disturbed and close to a food source.
If you have noticed small holes appearing at the base of a shed, or a slight give underfoot on decking, it is worth taking a closer look before the problem grows.
Why these spots are so attractive to rats
Rats are burrowing animals by nature, and the space beneath a shed or decking gives them somewhere sheltered to dig without being seen. Timber sheds often sit on bare ground rather than a solid base, leaving soft soil underneath that is easy to tunnel into. Decking works in a similar way, creating a hidden void between the boards and the ground that is protected from weather and largely out of sight.
In a Fens town like Soham, gardens often back onto open land, ditches or allotments, so rats already living nearby have every reason to move closer to a garden once they find shelter and food there.
Signs to look out for
- Smooth, round burrow holes around 6 to 9cm across at the base of a shed or decking
- Soil scattered near the entrance, sometimes with a worn path leading to it
- Gnaw marks on timber edges or shed doors
- Droppings near the entrance or underneath decking boards
- A faint, musty smell around the area
- Rustling or scratching sounds when you walk nearby
Dealing with the problem
Once rats are established under a shed or decking, they are difficult to remove without disturbing the structure, which is where professional treatment helps. Green Pest Control inspects the site, identifies how extensive the burrow system is, and uses appropriate baiting or trapping to clear the area, followed by advice on proofing the space so it cannot be reused.
Timber decking in particular can hide a surprisingly large burrow network, since the boards conceal activity that would otherwise be obvious on open ground. A proper inspection often means lifting or checking beneath sections of decking, something that is worth doing carefully rather than as a quick glance, especially if scratching or movement has been heard from underneath.
If you have seen burrow holes or other signs under a shed or decking at your Soham property, call 01502 630 122 for a free, no-obligation quotation.
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