Rodent-Proofing Your California Garden: 10 Tips and Tricks to Keep Rodents Away

A Norway rat is one of the most common rodents in California that can visit your garden

Your garden is an easy gateway for rodents to your home. If you see at least one rodent in your garden, whether it’s a mouse, a rat, or a gopher, chances are they can get easy entry to your living space.

Did you know? The most common rodents in California like rats and mice can spread more than 35 diseases. The majority of these diseases can be spread to humans directly through contact with rodent feces, urine, or any droppings, picking up of live or dead rodents, and rodent bites.

10 Tips and Tricks to Rodent-Proof Your Garden

Rodents can be a major nuisance in gardens, eating your plants and digging up your soil. The best way to rodent-proof your garden is to make it less inviting. To do that, here are some things you need to do:

1. Eliminate food sources

It’s easy for rodents to follow where food is. Oftentimes, they can find it in your garden. This includes fallen fruit from trees, your compost pile outside, and leftover pet food. As much as possible, clean up these food sources or cover them well so rodents don’t get lured into your garden.

2. Remove access points

Rodents like rats and mice can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, so you might want to consider sealing up any cracks or openings in your garden walls or fences. You can use wire mesh or metal flashing to seal up these holes or gaps.

3. Use traps

If you have a rodent infestation in your garden, you can use traps to get rid of them. There are a variety of traps available, including live traps, snap traps, and glue traps. 

You may also use bait stations which you get at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. There are a variety of bait available, including poison bait and block bait. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bait carefully, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

4. Use natural deterrents

One trick you can use to keep rodents away is using deterrents. There are a number of natural deterrents that you can use to keep rodents out of your garden. These include planting peppermint, spearmint, or castor beans. You can also sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your garden.

5. Get a cat

You know it—cats are natural predators of rodents, so having a cat in your garden can help to keep them at bay.

6. Trim trees and shrubs

Trim trees and shrubs back away from your house. This will make it harder for rodents to climb up to your roof or enter your home through the eaves.

7. Keep gutters and downspouts clean

Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent moisture from building up around your foundation, which can attract rodents.

8. Store firewood away

Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house.  Rodents like to nest in woodpiles, so keeping them away from your home will help to deter them.

9. Do regular inspections

Inspect your home regularly for signs of rodents. This includes droppings, gnaw marks, and nests. If you see any signs of rodents, take action immediately to get rid of them.

10. Call a rodent control expert

If you have a severe rodent infestation in your garden, or if you’re not comfortable dealing with the problem yourself, you can call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the source of the infestation and recommend the best course of treatment.

Seek Help from Rodent Control Experts

Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate rodents. We offer QualityPro-certified rodent control treatments to eliminate all types of rodents. Learn more about our Rodent Control and Extermination Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.

Call Pro Pacific Pest Control at 619-494-3380 to schedule a FREE inspection and estimate!