Expert shares 5p test you can do to keep rats and mice away

Callouts to deal with rats have spiked in recent years as figures show Watford Borough Council made 845 residential visits in 2023, up 28 per cent from 660 in 2021.

Colne Avenue residents say they spot up to 15 rats every fortnight, and cats regularly catch the pests. (Image: Marina Gvilova) Watford residents also recently said they were living with a "rat colony" in Colne Avenue as the rodents have chewed through wiring in a car bonnet and forced one woman to wear a hamzat suit to do her gardening.

Glen Peskett, DIY expert at Saxton Blades Multitools, has shared “the 5p test” that can help to keep the pests out, The Mirror reports.

Have you tried the 5p test? It could help you find potential entrance points for rodents (Image: Getty)

• 'I wear a hazmat suit when gardening' - drastic action as rats take over
• Man dumps dead rat on council reception over pest problem

Expert shares 5p test you should do to keep rodents away

The DIY expert said: “Homeowners ahead of rising temperatures should conduct the 5p test.

"Take a wander around the edge of your shed or home and look closely and any gap bigger than a 5p coin should be sealed up immediately.

"The last thing you want is them entering your home and snacking on wiring, which could cause fires or shocks. Removing any entry points is going to reduce mice significantly.”

How to get rid of these common garden pests

In the warmer months, rats and mice like to search for a good nesting spot for when winter comes around.

Rats like to find shelter and keep warm plus if they can get their paws on food, they certainly will so it’s a good idea to keep all holes and gaps covered and to clean up crumbs from both inside and outside the house.