Will Rats Eat Bulbs in a City Garden?*

(Question)

To my horror I recently spotted a rat in my townhouse garden, a first in thirty years of living here (North York). I have followed all the hints on the internet (no food or water, clean up leaf debris, etc.) but wonder if the grape hyacinth bulbs I was about to plant will be consumed. I don’t want to attract them in any way! Garden has lily of the valley and cranesbill geraniums which have survived for years, as well as many shrubs.
Thanks in advance. Beth

(Answer)

 

Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.

Rodents are unlikely interested by Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum). Don’t mulch the beds until mid to late November.

“Premature mulching invites mice, voles and other unwanted critters to nest in your bulb beds,”

“Lucky them to find such warm, cozy dens for the winter!”

…quoted from Sally Ferguson, director of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in Danby, Vt.

For more information and references: