While some wildlife is welcomed into UK gardens, there are some pests we’d rather not see in our outdoor spaces, especially when they can cause thousands of pounds of damage.

When there’s a repair, there can often be a high cost to making things right again and things can be made more difficult if you were not expecting to have to find the relevant finances to fix it.

For that reason, garden shed expert Sam Jenkinson from garden building retailer Tiger has shared how to protect your property from these damaging invaders and prevent expensive repairs.

How to protect your property from pests and avoid expensive repairs

Wood-boring beetles

Sam at Tiger said wood-boring beetles can cause up to £2,000 worth of damage by laying eggs in wooden beams, walls and other structural elements.

Their larvae feed on wood which will weaken a structure over time.

Sam says infestations can be prevented by sealing wood with varnish, using non-toxic insecticides and inspecting for sawdust or small holes. 

Rats

These rodents are another garden pest that can cause monetary damage to your property.

The research suggests rats can cause up to £1,500 in damage as they chew through wood, plastic and electrical wiring, posing serious fire hazards and structural issues.

To deter rats and mice, block entry points and secure food sources to keep rodents out of garden buildings.

Trimming vegetation near structures can also remove potential hiding spots for rats.

Badgers

Around £1,000 worth of damage can be caused by badgers by digging under garden buildings and potentially destabilising foundations.

@mrlumpyfriends If there was ever a badger that knew how to badger me Mr Lumpy was the expert 😍🦡🐾🐾❤️this is a family of european badgers that have visited my garden for the last 18 years of different generations in the 🇬🇧 uk and i open the door and hand feed them. Check out my other videos! #mrlumpyandfriends #uknature #britishwildlife #wildlife #badgersoftiktok ♬ original sound - Mr Lumpy & Friends

To prevent badgers from costing you money, Sam advises installing sturdy fencing and securing food sources like compost bins.

Motion-activated deterrents and strong-smelling plants like garlic and mint can discourage them from coming near structures. 

Pigeons

While these birds seem harmless, pigeons can cause up to £1,000 in damage through their droppings, which can corrode metal, wood and roofing materials. 

Reflective deterrents can be used to spook pigeons or you can use bird netting which protects your garden building roof without harming any birds.

Keeping shed roofs clean will also reduce nesting opportunities and deter pigeons from your garden.  

Squirrels

Squirrels can cause £1,000 in damage by chewing on wood, plastic and electrical wires and their gnawing can weaken wooden structures and pose fire hazards.

Prevent squirrels from entering by sealing entry points with wire mesh and removing food sources like bird feeders. 

@uk_wildlife_ Grey squirrel eating a fig 🐿 We loved how he wipes his mouth after finishing up 😍 The grey squirrel is an invasive species in the UK, introduced from North America in the late 19th century. Since then, it has spread across much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland, largely displacing the native red squirrel. Grey squirrels are larger, more adaptable, and outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat. These squirrels are known for their bushy tails and grey fur, though they can sometimes have reddish tones. They are omnivores, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small birds or eggs. Grey squirrels are highly adaptable and thrive in both rural woodlands and urban areas, where they are a common sight in parks and gardens. Their introduction has had a significant ecological impact, as grey squirrels carry a virus called squirrelpox, which is deadly to red squirrels but doesn't affect the greys. Efforts to control their population are ongoing to protect the declining red squirrel population, particularly in areas like Scotland and northern England where reds still have a foothold. #british #britishwildlife #britishwildlifephotography #uknature #uk #nature #wildlife #wildlifephotography #greysquirrel #squirrels #squirrel #squirrelsoftiktok #fig ♬ Autumn Leaves - Timothy Cole

Moles

Up to £800 worth of damage can be caused by moles who dig tunnels that undermine foundations and cause the ground below a garden structure to sink.

Carpenter Bees

Carpenter bees can cause around £500 worth of damage by boring holes into wood to create nesting tunnels which weakens wooden beams and posts.

Painting or varnishing exposed wood and sealing any holes with caulk or steel wool can prevent them from causing damage.

Foxes

Foxes can cause up to £600 worth of damage by digging under garden structures to create their dens and they often gnaw on wooden doors and foundations.

Deter foxes by blocking entry points with wire mesh, securing food sources and using motion-activated lights or mixing water and vinegar and spraying it around your garden.

Recommended reading:

Tiger estimated the cost of damage caused by pests in UK gardens by using data from pest control companies, repair services, government guidelines and homeowner reports.  

Each pest’s potential for damage was evaluated based on its typical behaviour such as structural damage, undermining foundations, or disturbing gardens. Although some pests may cause similar types of damage - such as rats and squirrels and moles and badgers - the costs can vary because certain pests are more active and therefore cause more extensive damage.  

The costs of professional control and repairs were aggregated into a range for each pest, considering factors like infestation severity and the type of structure affected. The final estimates account for both immediate treatment expenses and long-term repair needs.