Garden experts have offered their advice on how to keep rats out of their garden during the colder months in humane ways.

Estimates suggest there are over 10.5 million rats in the UK - that’s around one rat to every six people.

A clean and tidy outdoor space means there's less places for rats to set up home and hide. Pick up any fallen fruit, clear away clippings and keep hedges trimmed back.

Rats are always looking for food and water so keep your bins shut and don’t leave lose bin bags beside them. If you have pets, do not leave their food and water bowls outside overnight.

Rats sniff out any seeds from bird feeders and will climb up them to retrieve the treats. It's best to store seed in secure containers.

Add some peppermint oil to scrunched up fabric and dot them around the garden.

If you’re just starting out on your garden, protect new bulbs and plants by planting a layer of net just under the soil. Rats do set up home in your compost don’t use it on your fruit and veg.

Other tips include sealing any cracks or gaps in the walls, moving pots and furniture often, block off decking and keep the lid on your compost bin shut.

Another compost bin trick includes putting chicken wire underneath to stop rats getting in, not adding food scraps and turning regularly.