{
  "id": 208115,
  "title": "Homeowners warned as rats may be chewing through yard wires this summer — expert tips to keep them out",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/homeowners-warned-as-rats-may-be-chewing-through-yard-wires-this",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/gardening/homeowners-warned-as-rats-may-be-chewing-through-yard-wires-this-summer-expert-tips-to-keep-them-out"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As summer approaches, homeowners are being warned about potential rat infestations that may chew through outdoor power cables. According to expert Adam Wilkins, rats are more active during warmer months due to their need to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Their gnawing habits can cause significant damage to garden appliances and electrical wiring. To prevent these pests from invading your yard, experts suggest several strategies to make your outdoor environment uninviting.\n\nFirst, inspect your property for potential entry points, such as holes in fences, uncovered drain covers, and damaged drain grills. Repair any entry points to deter rats from entering your garden. Additionally, eliminate yard clutter like piles of lumber, garden waste, or old tires, as these can provide shelter for rodents. Keep your outdoor space clean and well-maintained to discourage rat activity.\n\nSecond, remove any food sources that may attract rats, such as fallen fruit, standing water, and dropped bird food. Regularly pick up fruit that has fallen from trees and tidy up scattered bird seed. Drain any stagnant water or pet dishes to avoid attracting rodents. Lastly, secure your compost bins by turning the compost regularly and installing mesh underneath if it sits on soil. Compost bins are particularly attractive to rats because they provide food, warmth, and shelter.\n\nLastly, monitor your electrical equipment for signs of damage. If you notice a chewed or damaged cable, immediately turn off the power and contact a qualified electrician to inspect and repair the wiring. Keep cables off the ground, regularly check them for gnawing, and move electrical appliances indoors overnight to minimize the risk of damage. By following these expert tips, homeowners can protect their outdoor space and prevent costly repairs to their yard's electrical appliances.",
  "summary": "Expert warns rats may be chewing through your electrical wires this summer — here's how to keep them out.",
  "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."
}