Rodents

Managing any issues on Tugmutton allotments with mice, squirrels and rats


These “pests” are an issue for all allotment sites. Things like our stream can add to the risk of unwanted visitors.

 We had a report of a rat/rats on site some time back. And we understand some plot-holders may have done their own thing in terms of deterrence.

We have, therefore, had a chat with the Bromley Allotment Assn and idverde who manage allotment issues for the council. They pointed us to existing advice from the National Allotment Association. Its set out below:


1   Secure Your Compost

Compost heaps are the No1 attraction for allotment rats.

  • The Golden Rule: Never add cooked food, meat, dairy, bones, or bread to your compost.
  • Block Burrowing: Line the bottom of your compost bins with 13mm galvanised wire mesh (hardware cloth) or sit them on solid paving slabs.
  • Turn Regularly: Turn your compost frequently to disturb any nests or sleeping areas.


2. Eliminate Food Sources

Rats are opportunistic feeders and will eat seeds, crops, and animal feed.

  • Proper Storage: where possible store all seeds, bulbs, and organic fertiliser in chew-proof, bins.
  • Clean Harvesting: Harvest your ripe crops (especially apples, sweetcorn, and squash) promptly and take them home. Do all you can not to leave rotting produce on the ground. Rats thrive in overgrown, cluttered areas where they can hide from predators. [1]
  • Safe Crops: Any fruit or vegetables that show signs of rat damage should be destroyed and binned, not composted. And wash harvested crops thoroughly.


3. Remove Shelter and Hiding Spots

Rats thrive in overgrown, cluttered areas where they can hide from predators. [1]

  • Declutter: in line with our general message on site management - remove old carpets, scrap timber, piles of old netting, and rubbish.
  • Tidy Up: Keep grass short and weeds trimmed back.
  • Secure Structures: Make sure sheds and tool boxes etc are in good repair with no gaps larger than 15mm. Try to block off the space underneath wooden sheds and storage units to prevent burrowing.


We hope this is helpful, especially, perhaps, on the point of not bring food waste from home to compost on an allotment and on clearing any crops that go to waste on the ground and keeping sheds and storage units in a good safe condition. We are not listing advice on trapping or on those animals that might hunt vermin. It was clear from idverde that they are reluctant to endorse traps or cages/poison except in very particular situations. To our knowledge our issues are no more than generally arise on sites. If so we ask you to give thought to all the preventative measures and contact us if anything problematic comes up


TAL Committee

July 2026