When it comes to landscaping and gardening, every homeowner desire to have the best plants grown in their gardens. Most of us settle for plants that are easy to maintain and aesthetically improve our yard, patio, or walkway. It’s not a surprise to find many people growing bamboo plants in their gardens. And well, who can blame them?
But most homeowners are unaware that these aesthetically endowed plants are like a magnet to rodents, mainly rats. Rats are opportunistic animals that love areas that are cluttered and don’t get a lot of human traffic.
Bamboo plants attract rats as they make excellent breeding sites for rodents, as it’s often rare for one to regularly check on bamboo plants; since these perennials require little to no maintenance to grow. Rats also like to chew on bamboo, despite them not getting any nutritional value from these plants.
So, if you are on a campaign to get rid of rats from your home and you don’t want to get rid of your bamboo plants, then this article has got you covered. We walk you down on what bamboo plants are, the benefits and uses of these plants, and the different ways to get rid of rodents from your bamboo filled garden.
What So Special About Bamboo?
With over 1200 species, bamboo plants are considered the most primitive wood plants in the world. Research has shown that these perennial woody grasses may have evolved around 30-40 million years ago. Their ability to swiftly adapt to different types of climates makes them a garden favorite to most homeowners.
Not only are they resilient to harsh climatic conditions, but they are also known to be the most robust woody plants in the world. This is so as they can withstand high pressures when drawn out or stretched without breaking.
Their flowers are known to survive for at least 6-12 years. So, if there is a plant that’s not going into extinction anytime soon despite what nature throws at it, it’s the impeccable and attention-grabbing Bamboo plant!
How to Get Rid of Rats from Your Bamboo?
Nobody loves having their home let alone their garden being home for rodents, more so rats. It’s a known fact that rats carry diseases that are highly infectious to humans. So, getting these unwanted tenants away from your property is a must.
Below are some of the ways to keep rats from your garden while still maintaining a healthy rodent-free bamboo garden in your home.
Plant Herbs around Your Garden
Grow basils, mints, and thymes around your garden as the scent they produce naturally wards off rats out of your home.
Don’t Leave Food Outside
Never leave food or water in the open or reach of rodents as this will only encourage them to be permanent residents.
Install a Garden Fence
Get a professional to install a fence around your garden which will deter rodents from making your garden their permanent residency.
Get a Cat
Getting a cat not only gives you a companion in your home but also ensures that your rodent menace is at least reduced if not completely solved.
Seal Your Trash Bins
Permanently seal your kitchen wastes in an eco-friendly bag before disposing of them. This ensures that the rodents in your garden don’t get any source of food.
Benefits of Having Bamboo in Your Garden
Although these plants are infamous for attracting rats, their advantages outweigh their disadvantages. Below is a list of some of the benefits you stand to gain by planting bamboo plants in your home garden.
An accentuated garden appeal
Try and incorporate these impeccable perennials for a more natural vibe around your garden.
You can marinate meat with the shoots and leaves of these plants
Bamboo shoots can be used to add more flavor to your fish or any other type of meat.
Shoots can be cooked and eaten as they provide a great source of essential minerals such as Zinc, Magnesium, and Potassium.
Antimicrobials
These plants contain ethanol compounds that make them effective in eliminating microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, which is known to cause many infections in our bodies.
Bamboo leaves and shoots are used to make natural bamboo wine. This sweet liquor is popular in China, and it is known as Zhuyeqing jiu among the locals.
Summary
Although bamboo plants accentuate your garden aesthetic effect effortlessly, it’s important to note that they attract rats. But this doesn’t mean that you should get rid of these perennial woody grass around your home.
Instead, get yourself an outdoor cat and let it fix the rodent issue in your home. Alternatively, plant herbs in your garden and ensure that you never leave any food or water in the open for these opportunistic animals to feed or drink own.
Bamboo Group is a collaboration of individuals who love the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly natural material. We believe every home can benefit from the natural colors and patterns of bamboo. We’re excited to see bamboo grow in popularity and get the recognition it deserves. Years of experience growing bamboo plants have taught us a lot we want to share with the world.