Two UK outlets report that rats and mice commonly enter gardens during spring, prompting homeowners to look for ways to reduce damage without relying on harmful methods. Both articles draw on pest experts’ guidance, focusing on natural approaches that are described as budget-friendly and intended to deter animals while minimizing impacts on other wildlife and plants. The reporting emphasizes that deterrence is possible through environmental and behavioural factors rather than poisons or lethal control. While the specific recommendations vary by source, the shared theme is the use of non-toxic options and practical garden measures to make areas less attractive to rodents. The guidance is framed as a preventative step for the spring season, when pest activity can increase and gardens may offer cover and food sources. Overall, the articles present natural deterrents as an alternative for gardeners seeking to manage rat and mouse presence through methods considered safer for the wider ecosystem.