Rats are opportunistic omnivores that readily consume succulents, especially when other food or water sources are scarce. This is a common issue for gardeners, particularly in dry or urban environments where rodents seek reliable resources. Understanding the appeal of these plants and the signs of rodent damage is the first step toward effective protection.
Why Succulents Appeal to Rodents
The primary motivation for rats to consume succulents is the plant’s high water content. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them a significant source of hydration during dry seasons or in arid conditions. This moisture is a powerful draw, as rats require a consistent water source to survive, unlike mice.
Beyond hydration, rats are attracted to the soft, easy-to-chew texture of many succulent leaves and pads. Their incisor teeth grow continuously, requiring them to gnaw constantly. While rats often chew on hard materials for dental maintenance, the tender, fleshy material of a succulent provides a readily available food source. Some common garden succulents are non-toxic, though species like Euphorbia produce irritating sap that may deter consumption.
Recognizing Rat Damage vs. Other Pests
Identifying rat damage requires looking for specific signs that differentiate it from other common garden pests. Rats leave distinct, parallel gnaw marks, typically 3.5 to 4 millimeters wide, on the stems and leaves. This contrasts with the smaller marks left by mice or voles, which are usually 1 to 2 millimeters wide.
Rat feeding often involves clean, sharp cuts near the base or root crown, sometimes resulting in the entire removal of smaller plants. They also create small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings, about a half-inch long, concentrated in areas where they feed or travel, such as under containers. Other signs of rat activity include small burrows or tunnels, roughly two to four inches in diameter, dug into the soil near walls or under raised beds. Finding greasy rub marks along walls or fences, left by their oily fur, confirms established travel paths.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Succulents
Protecting succulents begins with modifying the surrounding habitat to make the area less appealing to rodents. Since rats need shelter, food, and water, remove potential nesting materials like lumber piles, overgrown weeds, and general clutter. Secure all external food sources, including pet food, bird seed, and trash, ensuring compost bins have tight-fitting, rodent-resistant lids.
Physical barriers offer the most direct protection for individual plants and beds. Hardware cloth, a galvanized steel mesh with a half-inch weave, can be placed around containers or buried 8 to 12 inches deep around garden beds to deter burrowing. For potted succulents, covering the soil surface with sharp gravel or thorny material discourages rats from feeding. Removing sources of standing water further reduces the attractiveness of the area.