Why rats choose decking and sheds
The space under raised decking or a shed is sheltered, quiet and rarely disturbed. Food often falls through gaps between deck boards, bird feeders are nearby, and the soil is easy to dig. In South London gardens backing onto railway lines, parks or other gardens, these spaces are prime rat habitat.
Signs
- Burrows 6 to 9 cm across at the edge of decking, under a shed or beside a patio
- Runs worn through the lawn or along fences
- Droppings near the edges and along paths
- Gnawing on wooden boards or the shed floor
- Rats seen at dusk or dawn crossing the garden
The risk to your home
A colony under decking next to the house can find its way into air bricks, wall cavities and under-floor voids. Decking built against the house often hides air bricks altogether, giving rats a direct route under the floor.
How we deal with it
- Survey the garden and the house walls to see where the rats are living and whether they are getting inside
- Treat with tamper-resistant bait stations placed along their runs
- Monitor until activity stops
- Proof the space: fit galvanised mesh around the base of decking and sheds, buried into the ground, and protect air bricks
What you can do
- Move bird feeders away from decking and use trays to catch spilt seed
- Sweep up food that falls through the boards after barbecues and meals outside
- Keep compost bins closed and on a mesh base, and do not compost cooked food
- Clear stored wood, rubbish and overgrown areas around the shed
Questions and answers
Should I take up my decking?
Usually not. Proofing the perimeter with buried mesh is normally enough once the rats are controlled.
Do bird feeders attract rats?
Yes, spilt seed is one of the most common attractions. Use a seed tray and clear up daily.
Are rats in the garden dangerous to pets?
They can carry disease and fleas. Keep pets away from burrows and never use loose poison where pets can reach it.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.