Oxford News
Alan Titchmarsh shares simple tips for getting rid of rats
That said, thankfully, gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh has shared simple advice to discourage the rodents from making themselves at home outdoors.
This time of year is ideal for rats, as it’s peak breeding season and they’re actively seeking food and shelter – both of which many gardens unintentionally provide.
However, there is an easy way to make your plot less appealing.
Alan suggests keeping the lawn closely mown so rats have fewer places to hide, reducing the chances of them settling in.
Alan Titchmarsh’s tips for getting rid of rats:
He said in a video of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine: “Rats are furtive. They like cover and shelter.
“They do not like close-mown grass where they can be seen. They much prefer it longer.”
The simple change of staying on top of cutting your grass can make a huge difference in stopping rats from coming into your garden.
Alan added, “If you have got long grass everywhere, that gives them access.
“Cut it short, have a stripe or two if you want, and that way you can see, no rats.”
Alan said: “Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But, they can also be a magnet for rats.”
If you have a compost heap, that can also be a huge draw for rats.
Alan’s own compost heap is made from solid wood with steel sheeting lining the inside.
He said, “Hopefully that goes right down to the ground.
“They can burrow underneath it, but I am really reducing their ability to get in with ease. That’s a start, make the heap with good, strong sides.”
Alan explained you need to be careful about what goes into the compost heap.
He said: “Don’t put processed food, anything you have cooked, any meat, any potatoes.
“Don’t do that because it’s just an absolute open invitation for rats.”
Instead, Alan suggests putting in mouldy apples as they rot down quickly and any green clippings from the garden.”
Do you find rats troublesome? Let us know in the comments
Multiple vehicles, including two cars and a van, were spotted around Bonn Square between 6pm and 7pm yesterday, Thursday, June 18.
A man appeared to be handcuffed by several officers as shoppers passing-by watched on.
Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.
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Meanwhile the force has reported that it seized an “illegal electric bike” nearby on Cornmarket Street yesterday.
A spokesperson said: “We are working alongside other departments, and conducting operations to reduce the amount of illegal electric bikes and scooters on our streets.
“Especially those being used in an anti-social manner.
“Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to be ridden on public land and will be seized, along with illegally modified e-bikes.”
Amazon has launched a new World Cup dine-in deal that could save football fans up to £7.40 on their match-day food and drinks.
The online retail giant might be best known for bigger purchases but it also does groceries too, and it is offering shoppers the chance to pick up two Franco Manca pizzas and a four-pack of drinks for £11 through Amazon Fresh throughout June.
The limited-time promotion runs here until June 30 and is available with same-day and next-day delivery, making it a handy option for last-minute World Cup watch parties.
What’s Included In Amazon’s £11 World Cup Deal?
Customers can mix and match from a selection of popular Franco Manca pizzas, including:
- Salami, ‘Nduja & Hot Honey Pizza
- Greek Inspired Chicken Gyros Pizza
- Quattro Formaggi & Balsamic Glaze Pizza
- Meatball Ragu Pizza
The bundle also includes a choice of selected four-packs of drinks.
Options include:
- Coca-Cola Original Taste
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Birra Moretti
- Birra Moretti Zero Alcohol-Free
According to Amazon, customers can save up to £7.40 compared with buying the items separately.
The deal is available through Amazon Fresh and can be delivered directly to customers’ doors, helping fans stock up before kick-off without leaving home.
Where is Amazon Fresh available?
Amazon Fresh is available across a growing number of towns and cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and other major locations.
Shoppers can check whether the service is available in their area by entering their postcode through the Amazon Fresh storefront. The service offers everything from fresh groceries and chilled food to cupboard essentials and household products.
Customers can then choose from same-day or next-day delivery slots seven days a week, subject to availability.
Some shoppers can get their order in just 30 minutes
For customers in selected London postcodes, Amazon now offers ultra-fast grocery delivery through Amazon Now, with orders arriving in as little as 30 minutes.
The retailer has also confirmed plans to expand the rapid delivery service to Birmingham and Manchester later this year, giving even more football fans access to last-minute match-night essentials.
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World Cup watch parties
With millions expected to tune into this summer’s biggest football matches, retailers are racing to tempt shoppers with food and drink deals.
Amazon says the promotion is designed to help customers get match-ready, whether they’re hosting a watch party, planning a family night in or simply looking for an easy dinner before the game.
Alongside the pizza bundle, shoppers can also browse Amazon Fresh’s range of snacks, party food and international dishes inspired by teams competing in the tournament.
The £11 World Cup dine-in deal is available now until June 30, while stocks last.
Will you try out this deal? Let us know in the comments.
It comes as the US and Iran sign a deal to end the war and lay the foundations for the crucial Strait of Hormuz crude oil shipping lane to be reopened after months of blockages.
According to analysis by the RAC, the average price of petrol has fallen by nearly 5p since its conflict high of 159.53p on May 28, to 154.72p on Thursday.
Tesco in Cowley remains the lowest price for petrol in the city at 151.9p, according to the online tracker Petrol Prices, with the BP garage in Marston at 155.9p.
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Head of policy Simon Williams said: “The diesel drop has been even more dramatic having come down by 17p a litre from 191.54p on 15 April to 174.3p which means drivers are saving £9.50 every time they fill up. The last time the UK average price of diesel was under 175p was on 24 March.
“Even more positively, the rate of reduction ought to accelerate as the price of a barrel of oil has been under $80 for the last two days – something we haven’t seen since the start of March. Drivers can now expect to see the average pump price of petrol drop below 150p in the next week or so, while diesel should drop back under 170p.”
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