Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation

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Welsh homeowners with garden decking urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation
Experts are warning homeowners to check decking for pests as they seek shelter in decking during the summer months, with rats, ants, foxes and even snakes increasingly seeking shelter under the structure
Welsh homeowners with garden decking are being urged to do 1 task this summer or risk infestation
(Image: John Keeble via Getty Images )
As the summer temperatures rise, those with garden decking are being alerted to a vital maintenance task they must not neglect. There's been a notable increase in reports of garden infestations, with occurrences of wasp and hornet nests escalating "by around 150%."
With another heatwave on the horizon, pests are on the lookout for shelter, and garden decking is becoming a prime target.
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Decking Superstore experts have issued a warning that "rats, ants, foxes and even snakes are increasingly seeking shelter in the cool, quiet void beneath garden decks."
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Regardless of how spotless your decking appears, the specialist has outlined essential actions that gardeners should undertake to prevent an infestation this summer, reports the Express, adding: "Most pest issues under decking are completely preventable with some smart preparation. We always advise sealing entry points, keeping the area clear, and checking under the deck a few times during the season."
The most important action is to inspect under the decking using a torch. Gardeners need to be vigilant for signs such as shredded materials, movement, or droppings.
"Just five minutes with a torch every few weeks is often enough to catch a problem early," said the decking professionals. Following the inspection, gardeners are advised to clear the area, ensuring there are no bins, logs, or clutter near or on the decking.
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Homeowners are also advised against consuming food or leaving behind any remnants like food scraps or crumbs, which includes bird seeds and pet food. Additionally, it's recommended to cut back any overgrown foliage, as it can provide hiding spots for smaller creatures.
The expert further recommends sealing any potential entry points; using timber trim or fine-gauge mesh works effectively to prevent access under the decking. Lastly, applying pest-repellent wood treatments can help keep insects at bay and extend the life of your deck.
Signs you might have an infestation
Strange, musty or urine-like smells
Scratching or rustling sounds after dark
Sagging, soft, or warped boards
Droppings or shredded debris near gaps
Increased wasp or insect activity around the perimeter
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Rats and mice are opportunistic creatures that like to hide or burrow underneath your deck, porch, or shed due to colder weather or spring when nesting is needed for birth.
Solutions Pests and Lawns suggests that "one of the most common ways to distinguish between these pests is to examine their waste."
Mouse droppings tend to be scattered, while rats leave their droppings along walls and sides, both above and below porches, sheds, and decks.
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"Mouse droppings are smooth with pointed ends and range from dark to light brown in colour, measuring about a quarter of an inch long. Rat droppings are black, pellet-shaped, and, depending on the species, have either blunted or pointed ends," the pest expert explained.
To eliminate rats or mice lurking under your decking, the expert recommends placing four to six baits inside a bait station and positioning it flat against the decking, with the product entrance hole facing the structure.