Winter to bring rat invasion, but 2 ingredients can keep them at bay

Storm Eowyn is barrelling towards the UK, packing a punch with wind gusts that could reach a whopping 80mph in some areas.

Not just a headache for us humans, this wild weather, along with the biting winter cold, spells trouble for creatures great and small including pesky rats forced to scurry for cover.

Brits are being put on high alert as the upcoming weeks might bring a surge in these unwelcome visitors, with rats on the hunt for cosy spots in our homes and backyards.

But hold off on hitting the panic button!

These furry intruders may be on the prowl for a place to bunk down, but you're not defenceless against their home-invading antics, reports the Express.

Chris Bonnett, the green-fingered expert behind GardeningExpress.co.uk, said if you've clocked signs of rodents sizing up your pad or patch, they reckon it's ripe for setting up shop and that's your cue to block their plans.

To stop your place from becoming rat real estate, Chris said: "Debris, rubbish and garden waste sitting on the floor makes an attractive, warm nest for rats. Clear up any that may have accumulated during the winter to ensure there are no spaces that may entice the rodents".

And for keeping the critters at bay before they even get ideas, he recommends a nifty trick: "Rats are not fond of strong scents such as garlic powder or peppermint oil so it's worth sprinkling some of this around vulnerable areas in the garden."

You'll want to seal up even the tiniest of openings around your home, as these little nooks and crannies are prime access routes for pesky rodents to barge into your home. One spot frequently missed is the drains and grates, so get those gaps sorted pronto.

Chris added: "If necessary, replace damaged ones and check around the perimeter of your home for any other points of entry".

Remember, those cheeky mice and rats can munch through almost anything, so stocking up on mouse mesh or some tough steel wool will give you a fighting chance to keep them at bay.

Just like us humans after a long day, rodents fancy a good old drink. Your leaky outside tap or water butt might as well be a free bar for these critters.

Chris said: "A dripping garden tap, water butt or blocked drain are all great sources of water for the rodent and can make your garden the perfect home for them.

"And if you've got a compost heap chilling in your garden, don't let it get too dry!

"Keep your compost heap moist throughout to deter them from making themselves comfortable".

Oh, and if you're the type who loves a bit of bird feeding, you could be rolling out the red carpet for more than just our feathered friends.

Chris said: "Bird tables are notorious for attracting rats, so it's worth keeping an eye on them and removing any spilt seeds in the late afternoon once birds are done feeding."