Rats and mice will invade when you’ve got 1 plant they ‘love and might’t resist’

Rats and mice are a gardener’s worst nightmare as they nibble on precious crops, scatter droppings all over, spread nasty diseases, and play hide and seek in the sneakiest nooks. And dont get me started on their breeding – they’re like furry little baby-making machines.

With a ridiculously short three-week pregnancy and up to 14 little terrors per litter, these critters can have a whopping 10 litters yearly. So if you spot any furry intruders wreaking havoc in your garden, it’s time to get your skates on and show them the door, pronto, reports the Express.

But hold on, prevention is key here and it’s totally doable without reaching for the poison. Natural deterrents yes, we’re talking plants and such can send those rodents packing.

But be warned, some might backfire and roll out the red carpet for them into your house. Now, let’s talk about pumpkins. Pest experts at Pest Control East London have dished the dirt: “If there are rats and mice in your area, they can eat your Halloween pumpkins.”

That’s right, the pumpkin’s not just for carving but also a five-star feast for the furballs. The experts said: “They love pumpkins and can’t get enough of them. They will happily munch on them. Pumpkins are a favourite food for chipmunks, squirrels, mice and rats. They will attract these pests.”

And don’t think it stops at the flesh; pumpkin seeds are like caviar to these guys. Packed with protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s gourmet grub for them.

Pests UK has thrown a spooky warning with the claim that your jack-o’-lantern could be an open dinner invitation to unwanted guests, as they said: “Rodents such as rats and mice will enjoy feasting on pumpkins, especially if they’re carved and open to reveal the delicious fruit inside.

“Rats and mice aren’t particularly fussy when it comes to food – they will eat the flesh and seeds of pumpkins. Pumpkins placed outside can lure rodents to your home, which increases the risk of an infestation in or around your property.”

Gardening buff Teo Spengler dished out her own terror tale after trying to grow gigantic pumpkins in her patch, talking to Gardening Know How all about it. However, her horticultural dream turned into a rodent nightmare, as she started facing a ratty problem big time!

Teo’s morning turned grim when she discovered that despite protective netting, sneaky rats had munched through and hollowed out two of her six pride-and-joy pumpkins.