Article: Any type of food in your garden can attract rats, especially if they are ripe or overripe. Make sure that no food falls off the tree or vine onto the ground. If they do, pick them up right away. Look for one that is completely sealed or that has a locking lid. A container that sits up off the ground is also effective. This will prevent rats from smelling or getting into the compost. If you’re worried about rats, you may want to stop adding food scraps to your compost pile. Food adds little value to compost, and it is what the rats are attracted to. You can put food waste in a worm bin, however. If you feed any dogs, cats, rabbits, or chickens outside, you need a sealed metal container, preferably one with a locking lid. When the animals are done feeding, remove the dish if possible or throw out any leftovers. If you have animals like chickens that might graze on foods, a treadle feeder can help dispense food regularly without rats getting into it. You can install a rodent-baffle on your bird feeder or buy a bird feeder that is squirrel or rodent proof. Clean up under the bird feeder whenever you notice spilled seed to keep rats from coming to eat it.  Try using no-waste bird food. This type of seed is designed to reduce how much waste the bird leaves behind when they are done eating. Make sure to store your bird seed in a sealed metal container. Look for containers that are advertised as “rodent-proof.” Rats like to hide in dense vegetation and wood piles. Make sure to clear any garden debris, such as fallen branches or leaves, as soon as possible. Mow the lawn so that grass and weeds are no higher than a few inches. You can also:  Stack wood on a platform at least 18 inches (46 cm) off the ground and about 12 inches (30 cm) from any structures like fences or buildings. Trim large plants that rats could climb, such as trees, ivy, vines, and shrubs. Keep them about 4 feet (1.2 m) away from your roof to stop rats from climbing over. Repair fences to cover any holes larger than a dime.

What is a summary?
Harvest fruit, vegetables, and nuts as soon as they ripen. Switch to a metal compost tumbler. Clean up pet food after feeding is complete. Discourage rats from stealing bird seed. Keep your garden clean and trimmed.