Pests at the allotments

All allotments are likely to attract some form of pests. We cannot rid the allotment entirely of these creatures, and nor should we. Rats may unpleasant but they are part of the food web nevertheless; providing food for owls for example.
However we want to share some preventative tips with all plot holders on steps we can all take to assist in tackling and minimising this problem.

Removal of places to live or shelter
– Remove all debris, rubbish, old equipment from your plots
– Minimise the amount of unused materials you keep on your plot
– Cut back overgrown shrubs etc on plots

Removal of food sources
We recognise that this is difficult on an allotment but there are some steps you can take, including:
– Not leaving household waste on site, including in compost bins
– Harvesting fruit and vegetables promptly
– Don’t leave discarded fruit and vegetables around
– Turn the contents of your compost bin/s regularly
– Keep any food / compost securely (e.g. use bins with solid sides and lids; add a wire mesh lining in the base etc.)
– Do not feed birds or foxes at your plot.
– Store seeds, bulbs, chicken feed etc. in rodent-proof containers.
– Feeding of foxes is strictly prohibited at the allotments

Ensure good housekeeping
– Keep your plot tidy
– Visit regularly, make your presence known (e.g. kicking compost bins)
– Inspect the plot regularly
– Thoroughly wash (and peel, as appropriate) the fruit and vegetables you harvest and destroy all vegetables with signs of rodent damage.
– Keep your shed/s / chicken runs / storage unit/s / greenhouse/s etc. secure and in good order; check regularly for signs of rats living underneath.

Other
– Plant repellents, such as wood hyacinth, allium and daffodils are known to help keep rodents at bay.
– Soak cotton wool balls in peppermint, eucalyptus or spearmint oil; rodents have been shown to avoid these smells and by placing these at key points (corners of sheds and those areas they may be getting in) you can help keep rats and mice away. Remember to replace the oil regularly, even after they appear to have gone, or they might come back.
– Stop using fertilisers made from blood, bone, or fish.