The idea of rats invading our outdoor spaces is a concern for many homeowners, which is why it's essential to find easy ways to keep them away. One key fact to remember is that rats are more active during the spring season, as it's their breeding time, making it crucial for homeowners to be vigilant.

During this time, rats are more likely to be seen around homes, and certain items left outside can attract them to our gardens, making it vital to be mindful of how and where we store these items.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, there are several things to consider. Rats can easily find their way into our properties if we're not careful about what we leave outside.

With the warmer weather, many of us will be visiting garden centers to buy soil and compost. Often, the extra bags are stored under the deck to keep the patio tidy, which seems like a practical solution.

However, according to gardening expert Allan Jeffrey from Ultra Decking, this is one of the most common ways homeowners unintentionally invite pests into their gardens.

While compost is great for our plants, it's also a magnet for rodents and insects, especially when it's stored in the dark, damp area under the deck. There are several reasons why it's so appealing to these unwanted visitors.

Compost bags are full of organic matter and retain moisture, creating the perfect warm, damp conditions that rats and mice look for when they start building their nests in the spring. It's not just rodents that we need to worry about, though.

Ants and insects that live in the soil are also attracted to these conditions, and once they've made themselves at home near our deck or fence, they can be challenging to get rid of.

When rats and mice move in, the problems can quickly escalate. According to Allan, 'Rats that are nesting are a significant issue. Their numbers can grow rapidly, and they'll start chewing through garden structures like the deck, fence, and this kind of damage can be expensive to repair.'

Firewood is another potential problem. 'People who store their leftover winter logs under the deck are also at risk,' Allan continued. 'Wood that's absorbed moisture over the winter is the perfect hiding place for insects that bore into wood, and that's when the real damage begins.'

Allan recommends a simple approach to keeping pests away: being organized and taking a few precautions now can save us a lot of trouble later and ensure we can enjoy our gardens during the summer.

By taking a few simple steps, we can prevent significant problems and make the most of our outdoor spaces. If we suspect that rats are nearby, it's a good idea to consult a pest control specialist for advice.