{
  "id": 12859132,
  "title": "Homeowners urged to clear this one thing in their yard to prevent rats this fall",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/homeowners-urged-to-clear-this-one-thing-in-their-yard-to-prevent",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T11:07:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/gardening/homeowners-urged-to-clear-this-one-thing-in-their-yard-to-prevent-rats-this-fall"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As temperatures drop this fall, rats are actively searching for food and shelter, making yards a prime target if not prepared. Chris Bonnett, horticulturist and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, urges homeowners to clear fallen fruit from their yards to prevent rat infestations. Fruit trees provide easy food sources for rats when fallen fruit piles up on the ground, which can happen even after fruit-picking season. Bonnett recommends checking underneath fruit trees regularly and collecting fallen fruit before it becomes overripe. To prevent an infestation, clear fallen fruit frequently and either discard it or compost it. Additionally, secure trash cans, keep bird feeders away from ground spills, and maintain a well-trimmed lawn and pathways to avoid providing hiding spots for rats.",
  "summary": "Pest control expert reveals the common yard item you should remove immediately to prevent rats from invading your property.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}