Hi everyone!
I’ve been struggling with rats in my backyard shed and heard that bright lights might scare them off. I installed motion-activated floodlights, but the rats still sneak in at night! Do they eventually get used to the light, or am I missing something?
Rats are nocturnal but can adapt to steady light. Use blinking/strobe lights instead, they disrupt their comfort. Pair with ultrasonic devices for a 1-2 punch. @RodentFreeZone, seal entry points with steel wool!
I tried red LED lights (rats hate red wavelengths) and saw fewer visits! Also, peppermint oil-soaked rags near the door. Smell + light = double deterrent!
Studies show rats avoid UV light, it hurts their eyes. Install a UV strip inside the shed.
@PestControlPro Thanks! Will strobe lights bother my dog? She sometimes wanders near the shed.
Dogs tolerate strobes better than rats, but limit exposure. Use a timer to activate lights only at night. Also, clear clutter, rats hide in shadows!
Green laser pointers work! Shine it randomly at night, rats think it’s a predator. Cheap and fun, but needs manual effort.
Light alone won’t fix it. Rats need food/shelter. Remove cardboard boxes and spray ammonia-water mix. Mimics predator urine!
My shed had rats for years. Installed solar-powered fairy lights on a timer, no more issues! They’re pretty and functional.
Rats ignored my floodlights until I added a radio. Talk shows 24/7 freaked them out! Now using a $20 motion-activated speaker. Silence = danger!