Pests might be looking for a new home in your garden (Image: Getty)
Pest exterminator Georgios Likopoulos, based at , said there are “simple tricks” you can use to prevent from entering your without harming them.
“Remove all food sources from your since are attracted to food,” advised Mr Likopoulos. This means removing any compost, birdseed and pet food, unless they’re “stored in secure containers”.
Physical barriers are also important, such as blocking up any gaps under fences that lead to your , or holes in the wall.
For a natural deterrent, “planting strong-smelling herbs around the perimeter, such as mint, rosemary, and lavender” will be effective.
Mr Likopoulos revealed the “best way to prevent from destroying your “, which is to encourage natural predators, such as owls and hawks, to visit your garden.
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The rat population can be difficult to control (Image: Getty)
The expert clarified that adding nest boxes or platforms for owls and hawks can be effective at reducing the rat population.
However, several of these pest repellent methods should be combined to help control rat populations, which are notorious for being “difficult to control”.
As for foxes, Mr Likopoulos said: “Plastic prickle strips can be used along flowerbeds and gardens as a deterrent to digging. They irritate foxes without harming them.”
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Foxes in the garden can be problematic (Image: Getty)
Securing bins with tight-fitting lids is also important to help prevent foxes from digging through your garbage during the festive period.
“You can deter foxes from entering your garden by mixing chillies and garlic in boiling water and spraying the solution around your garden,” advised Mr Likopoulos.
Foxes are also put off by the strong smell of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and citrus smells, which is too overbearing for them.
“A combination of scents is used in commercial fox-repellent products to repel foxes,” said Mr Likopoulos. “Compared to home remedies, these products may be more convenient and effective.”
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If you’re going to go down the technical route, pest control measures include ultrasonic repellers, sprinklers and flashing lights.
“Ultrasonic repellers emit high-pitched sounds that are inaudible to people but effective at deterring foxes,” Mr Likopoulos explained.
All loud noises, flashing lights and sudden movements will “scare foxes” so they run from your garden – so Christmas decorations could be helping in their own way.
By identifying your garden as unsafe to forage and live in, foxes are less likely to dig up your garden and go through your bins.