Rats frequently dig in potted plants in both urban and suburban environments. This behavior is driven by fundamental biological needs for food, shelter, and water. Understanding this activity is the first step toward effectively managing these pests.
The Motivation: Why Rats Target Potted Soil
Rats are attracted to container soil because it offers a suitable substrate for burrowing, a key survival behavior for the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Burrows provide a safe haven from predators and a place to regulate body temperature, especially when rats seek sheltered locations during colder seasons. A pot’s loose, well-aerated potting mix is much easier to excavate than compacted garden soil.
The soft soil also serves as a secure location for caching food. Rats are omnivorous and opportunistic scavengers, often carrying seeds, nuts, fallen fruit, or pet food back to a protected spot for later consumption. This food-storing behavior frequently leads to the creation of tunnels beneath the container surface.
Furthermore, the moist soil provides a reliable source of hydration. In dry spells, the consistently damp conditions of a regularly watered container act as an accessible water source. The presence of organic materials in the soil, such as compost or slow-release fertilizer pellets, can also attract rats.
Identifying Signs of Rat Activity
Finding holes in a plant pot does not automatically confirm rats, but specific evidence differentiates their activity from other diggers like squirrels. Rat burrows are typically round or slightly oval, approximately 2 to 4 inches in diameter. The loose soil is often fanned out around the entrance, and these holes may lead to a complex tunnel network hidden just below the surface.
A clearer sign is the presence of their droppings, which are small, dark, and cylindrical with blunt ends, measuring about half an inch long. These pellets are usually found near the pot or on the soil surface. Rats also travel along established routes, leaving faint, dark, greasy smudges, known as rub marks, along the edges of the pot or nearby walls due to the oils in their fur.
Damage to the plant itself can also indicate rat feeding. Look for gnawing marks on stems or on any roots pulled to the surface. Unlike squirrels, which often leave distinct footprints, rats tend to scurry. Their tail may drag, leaving a subtle mark if the surface is dusty.
Practical Strategies for Deterrence and Removal
Implementing physical barriers is one of the most effective ways to prevent rats from accessing container soil. Use a layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth cut to fit the pot’s circumference. Place the mesh directly on top of the soil and under a decorative layer of gravel. The mesh must be small enough to prevent digging but large enough for the plant stem to grow through.
A less restrictive physical barrier involves covering the soil surface with sharp, rough materials. A top dressing of crushed lava rock, broken pottery shards, or coarse gravel makes the surface uncomfortable and difficult for rats to dig through. This strategy deters rodents without harming the plants.
Environmental modification is necessary to remove the attraction. Since rats are drawn to easy food and water, eliminating external sources is important. Ensure that all bird feeders are cleaned up daily and that pet food is not left outside overnight.
Check for and fix any leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation systems that create standing water near the pots. In areas with high rodent activity, natural scent repellents provide an added layer of defense. Cotton balls soaked in strong-smelling essential oils, such as peppermint, citronella, or eucalyptus, can be placed discreetly near the pots to overwhelm the rats’ sensitive sense of smell.
If the infestation is severe, humane trapping and relocation may be necessary. For ongoing issues, address the root cause of the attraction. This often involves securing garbage cans with tightly fitted lids and removing any clutter or debris that offers rats shelter. Persistent rodent issues require a comprehensive approach that removes the incentives for them to remain in the area.