Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has said there's one simple lawn care job that could help keep rats away from your garden this summer - but you need to do it now08:32, 01 Jul 2026Beloved gardening whizz Alan Titchmarsh has revealed the everyday gardening task that could be the secret weapon in the battle against rats this summer.‌While many passionate gardeners are more than happy to welcome all manner of wildlife into their outdoor spaces, rats are typically the exception. In the UK, rat populations fluctuate considerably, but estimates suggest numbers could range anywhere from 10 million to over 100 million.‌For those who love nothing more than unwinding in the evening sunshine in their own tranquil garden retreat, that sense of calm can quickly turn to dread the moment a rat comes into view.‌However, professional gardener, horticulturist, and much-loved TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh may well have the answer to keeping these unwelcome creatures away.And it seemingly all boils down to smart lawn maintenance.‌In a video for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, the gardening expert began: "Of all the garden pests, the one that fills us with most horror and revulsion, generally, is the rat. I mean, you never know where they are, do you?"He explained the "place they love more than anywhere else in the garden" is, unsurprisingly, the compost heap, "mainly because of the heat generated" by the "rotting vegetation".To stop rats from treating your compost heap as their very own "central heated house", the gardening guru recommended ensuring the "structure is solid".‌In his own garden, he has "really strong wooden sides" on his unit, along with "steel sheeting right around the back". When it comes to your lawn, Titchmarsh encouraged people to keep their grass trimmed short - though this might disappoint some, as longer grass can help wildlife flourish.Explaining why short grass matters, the expert said: "Rats are furtive. They like cover, they like shelter - they do not like close mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer.‌"So, if you've got long grass everywhere, that gives them access. Just to get your mower out."Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see," he gestured to the vast lawn surrounding him on screen. "Look, no rats."While this might prove an effective tactic for deterring rats from your garden, it could also stop other species from flourishing there as well.Article continues belowLetting the grass grow slightly longer offers advantages for numerous creatures. It creates an immediate habitat which helps ground nesting insects by giving them somewhere to hide, along with shelter for other insects.Longer grass is also more effective at holding moisture, while some unwelcome weeds like dandelions offer a food source for emerging spring insects, provided they're not mown down too soon.It boils down to personal choice - and just how serious your rat problem might be.