LOVE them or hate them, rats can destroy your garden if they find a way in.
Rodents are a big problem for gardeners in Britain, since they can feed on plants and make mess of carefully curated displays.
But don't worry, they're easy enough to get rid of without spending a penny on expensive deterants.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, the experts from Sutton Manor Nursery shared five simple ways you can keep rats away from your garden for good.
They explained: "If you find rats in your garden, you should not put down rat poison outdoors. This is because it is extremely dangerous to birds, wildlife and pets."
Not only that, but the poison can be dangerous for children – here's what you should do instead.
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Remove mess and rubbish
Bins in or close to your garden should be kept closed and sealed so pesky rats can't get inside.
They are attracted to rubbish, so keeping it out of reach means they're more likely to find shelter somewhere else.
Don't leave bird food in the open
Although feeding birds and other wildlife like hedgehogs can have loads of benefits for your garden, the same food can also attract rats.
Homeowners should opt for covered bird feeders to the rodents can't get to the food.
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You can also use raised feeders, the pros added.
Remove any extra food
If you grow fruit or vegetables it's a good idea to remove them as soon as they're ready to be picked, rather than leave any extras laying around.
Sneaky rats will be attracted to any gardens with food they can eat, so removing it means they're more likely to look for grub elsewhere.
Check points of entry
When it comes to your garden, rats might nest in sheds or outbuildings, so it's importnat to check for holes where they might be able to scurry in and out.
The experts explained: "The small creatures find it easy to fit into holes and even create holes to navigate around the garden and outdoor space."
Call an expert
If rats have already set up camp in your garden it might be time to contact he experts so they can remove them safely.
Not only that, but pest control experts will be able to give more personalised advice to stop the rats from returning.
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