Stamp out garden and greenhouse vermin issues

13:28 23rd February 2010

Those who find their garden or greenhouse infested with vermin may have themselves to blame, it has been claimed.

BBC Berkshire horticulture expert Colin Evans has suggested that many people inadvertently attract rats by throwing kitchen scraps on the compost heap.

He explained that a recent caller to his Sunday Gardening Programme had wondered why the creatures had chosen his organic garden as their home until Evans explained that it was likely to be because they were being supplied with free food.

Mr Evans suggested that growers only add garden waste to their pile and avoid throwing weeds or unshredded wood on it.

"I would go as far as to say that gardeners who put kitchen and household waste onto their compost heaps in a busy neighbourhood could be considered to be anti-social as your neighbours will have your rat problem as well," Mr Evans said.

In other news, environmentally friendly organisation Greenopolis has suggested that those starting a garden should examine the spot in which a plant may be placed to ensure that conditions are adhered to.