Does Composite Decking Attract Rats?

When you have a deck elevated off the ground, it is much more likely to attract animals such as rats. If the decking is raised off the ground, this creates the perfect shelter for certain animals.

Decks flat on the ground will not have this problem as there is nowhere for the rats to go.

It is not uncommon for rats to get into your garden regardless of whether you have decking or not; however, having a raised deck increases the chances of rats living in your garden as it is a suitable habitat for them.

Ways that you can reduce the risk of rats entering your garden and living under your deck

• Ensure that there is no leftover food in the garden. If you have recently had a BBQ or eaten some food in your garden, you want to ensure that there is nothing left over. Rats have a great sense of smell, and the scent of a bread crust from the other side of the street might just be what invites them over.
• If you have any apple trees in your garden, pick the apples that fall from the tree before they start to attract rats while on the ground.
• If you feed your dog outside, ensure that there is no food left in the dog’s bowl.
• If you have a bird feeder, be careful not to spill any of the feeders on the ground.

Rats obviously need food to live and reproduce; if these steps are followed, the rats will not have a suitable place to stay. You can always invest in rat traps if you have a rat problem. This is the last option; however, if you hate the thought of a colony of rats living under your deck, consider this.