Homeowners warned as rats may be chewing through yard wires this summer — expert tips to keep them out

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It’s often unnerving when you spot a rat scurrying across your property — especially during these summer months, when you want to enjoy the outdoors. Not only are these pests on the hunt for food and shelter, but they may also be causing significant damage to your garden appliances and power cables.According to an expert, rat activity peaks during warmer months, as rats gnaw to keep their teeth worn down. Since their teeth never stop growing, rats need to constantly chew on hard materials to prevent them from overgrowing — making our outdoor power cables an easy target.“Rats seem to like chewing on electrical wires, which can be a real nuisance,” states Adam Wilkins, Managing Director of LightningLegends.“If they gnaw hard enough, they can actually cause some real damage to garden appliances, and you’ll have to replace the wiring or, in some cases, the whole appliance.”The good news is that you can keep these pests from invading your outdoor space by implementing these expert-approved top tips.Here are three simple things you can do in your yard to keep rats out and save your yard's electrical appliances from damage.1. Cover or repair entry points

Rat coming out of a hole in yard (Image credit: Shutterstock)The first thing is to inspect your yard for holes and gaps in fences, uncovered drain covers, or any other potential entry points that rats can use to enter your property.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips."Repair holes in sheds and fences to prevent rats from accessing the garden,” advises Wilkins.“Since rats often travel through drains, consider repairing any broken drain covers. You can also cover rat burrows with wire mesh to prevent it from reopening.”Another top tip is to get rid of any yard clutter — including piles of lumber, garden waste, or even old tires. Such things may serve as a nesting site for rodents to hide and seek shelter. So always keep it tidy and well maintained.Ultimately, the key is to ensure your outdoor environment is highly uninviting, making it difficult for rodents to easily enter your outdoor space.Also, is your neighbor's cluttered yard attracting rodents to your home? I asked the experts what to do.2. Remove any food sources