Fact-checked against 1 source · Updated 3 November 2026Short answer: look for burrows roughly 5–10cm across at the edge of the decking or in nearby soil, droppings along the edges, worn runs through the grass, gnawed boards, and noises at dusk or at night.
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Signs of rats under decking
- Burrows at the edge of the decking or in nearby soil, roughly 5–10cm across, with smooth, well-used entrances.
- Droppings along the edges, on the boards or beside the steps. See how to identify rat droppings.
- Runs: worn tracks through the grass or along a fence to the decking.
- Gnawing on the boards, the frame or anything stored underneath.
- Noises at dusk or night, and sometimes a musty smell.
Why rats like decking
Decking gives rats everything they look for in one place: shelter from the weather and from predators, soft soil to dig in, and often food close by. Dropped food from barbecues and outdoor meals, bird feeders, pet bowls and nearby compost bins all draw rats in. Gaps between the boards and an open edge make it easy to get underneath.
What not to do
- Do not rip the decking up straight away. Disturbing the nest without treatment just scatters the rats, sometimes into a shed, a neighbour’s garden or your house.
- Do not block every gap before the rats are dealt with. Sealing rats in can push them to dig or gnaw a new way out, and they may die where you cannot reach them.
- Do not put poison down loose. It can harm pets, children and wildlife. See our guide to rat poison and the rules.
How to get rid of rats under decking
- Take away the food. Clear up after eating outside, move or stop bird feeders for a while, bring pet food in and use a rat-resistant compost bin.
- Get the rats treated. A technician will find the burrows and runs and use secure, tamper-resistant bait stations or traps placed safely around the decking. See how rat control works.
- Proof the decking once they have gone. Fit galvanised mesh or a solid skirt around the base, dug in below ground level so rats cannot burrow under it. See rat proofing.
- Keep checking. Look for new burrows or droppings over the next few weeks.
Rats under decking in Newark
Gardens near the River Trent, allotments and farmland around Newark-on-Trent, Balderton, Farndon and Collingham see rats regularly, and decking is one of the first places they settle. If you have found burrows or droppings around your decking, it is best dealt with early, before the colony grows.
Call 01636 880 421 and describe what you have found. We will put you through to an independent local technician who covers Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding villages, and who agrees the price with you before any work starts.
Decking rat questions
How do I know if rats are under my decking?
Look for burrows at the edges, droppings on or beside the boards, worn runs through the grass, gnawing, and noises at dusk or at night.
Should I take my decking up to get rid of rats?
Not before the rats are treated. Lifting it disturbs the nest and scatters the rats. Deal with the rats first, then proof or repair the decking.
How do I stop rats getting under decking?
Once the rats have gone, fit galvanised mesh or a solid skirt around the base, dug in below ground, and keep food such as bird seed, pet food and compost away from it.
Will rats under decking come into the house?
They can, especially in colder months or if food is easy to find inside. Check air bricks, pipe gaps and doors near the decking, and act early.
Need help now? See pest control in Newark-on-Trent, where we connect you with an independent local technician.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on 29 October 2026. Laws, prices and council services change, so check the current position before relying on them.