It’s often unnerving when you spot a rat roaming around your yard or property. And winter months are prime time when rodents are actively seeking warmth, shelter and food. Unfortunately, that means they’ll be visiting your home if you don’t deal with the things that attract rats in the first place.
One of the key things that attract pests is yard clutter — including piles of lumber, garden waste, or even old tires. And while the yard may seem a convenient place for these items, these also provide shelter and a warm haven for rats and mice.
But, what happens when it’s your neighbor's yard clutter that is inviting rodents to your yard? How do you tell them? And what is the best approach? I’ve called on the experts to tell us what actions we can take and best way to avoid any neighborhood wars and more importantly, a pest infestation.
What actions can I take if my neighbor's cluttered yard is attracting rodents to my property?
It’s always a tricky one when it comes to adjoining properties, but what legal rights do you have if your neighbor's cluttered yard is bringing rodents to yours?
“There's some variation in local nuisance laws, but in most areas, you should have a legal case here, especially if the rodents in question are damaging your property,” advises Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes.
“If you want to pursue legal action to settle something like this, you'll need as much evidence as you can gather. That means documenting the presence of the pests, proof that they've damaged your property, and any attempts to resolve the issue without legal action.”
Of course, legal disputes should be your last resort, and if possible, experts strongly recommend speaking to your neighbors first. “Legal action is going to damage your relationship with your neighbor,” agrees Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf.
“If you want to stay on good terms with this person, you'll want to find any way you can to resolve the issue without getting the law involved. But if you want to take legal action, you'll need to prove that your property has been negatively affected by the presence of the pests, and that will mean letting them do some damage so that you can document it.”
How do I tell my neighbor about their yard clutter?
So what’s the best way to approach your neighbor, without causing offense or creating tension. The consensus is that after you’ve taken any photographic evidence, you should have a polite conversation with your neighbor.
“Speak with your neighbor in a calm, respectful manner,” advises Rick Culbreth Jr, President at Yates-Astro Termite & Pest Control. “Sometimes people aren’t aware that their clutter or debris is creating a pest issue. A friendly conversation can often resolve the problem quickly."
Additionally, you can offer help or a practical suggestion, such as sharing contact information for a pest control service or offering to help with cleanup. Of course, this all depends on how friendly you are with your neighbors!
“If the issue continues, contact your local health department, code enforcement office, or animal control," says Cuthbert Jr. "Most municipalities have ordinances against unsanitary conditions, refuse build-up, or pest infestations. These agencies can inspect the property and, if violations exist, issue warnings or fines requiring cleanup.”
What preventative measures can I take to prevent rodents in my yard?
Despite the fact that rodents are more active during the colder months, you can still get rats and mice anytime of the year. So it’s important to always put measures in place to rat-proof your yard.
“While you can't control your neighbors' property, you can make sure yours is less appealing to rodents so they stay away,” states COO & Associate Certified Entomologist at Arrow Termite & Pest Control.
“To create a barrier around your house, focus on best practices: Seal gaps and holes around your home to prevent rodents from entering. Keep debris cleaned up, and vegetation trimmed.
"Secure any outside storage containers including trash cans, and move potential food sources inside. You can further protect your home and property by spraying rodent deterrents that contain essential oils like citronella and peppermint, that irritates rodents and turns them away.”
Of course, if you have a persistent rodent problem, always contact a professional pest control company to best advise you. “Sometimes, the infestation may be too severe for DIY solutions or you may just not want to deal with the problem yourself,” agrees Daniel Baldwin, Board Certified Entomologist at Hawx Pest Control.
“In this case, you should call up a professional pest control service who can tackle the problem quickly and efficiently, and provide advice on how to keep them from coming back.”
For more top tips, I asked pest experts what I need to buy to prevent mice in my home — here’s what they recommend. Or you could try adding these plants that keep mice and rats from invading your home.
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