A woman has shared how her garden makeover turned into a nightmare after eagle-eyed TikTok fans made a terrifying discovery.
Ebony, from Scotland, shared her discovery on social media, but she would never have known about it if it weren't for the TikTok sleuths.
Ebony made this horrifying discovery after TikTok detectives found something around her deck. Photo credit: tiktok/@ebonymariakay/The gardening enthusiast's horror was that she was allegedly dealing with pesky mice that had dug holes around her wooden decor. Photo credit: tiktok/@ebonymariakay/
A woman who saved a ton of money by tidying up her own garden says a wooden deck beside her property was riddled with gaping holes – but unfortunately, there's a gruesome reason behind it.
As others on the platform have pointed out, the cause of the damage was pesky rats that had invaded the backyard and made the deck their new home.
“I had no idea about this when someone messaged me,” Ebony said in the video, sharing the horrific state of the destroyed wooden structure.
Upon hearing the news, the Scottish girl contacted the “Rat Man” and, in a desperate attempt to put an end to “Rat Gate”, decided to spread poison below deck.
Another concern for the couple was that mice might die under the deck, which would cause a foul smell in the garden.
To avoid this problem, the couple decided to remove the original deck and replace it with a beautiful slab instead.
Meanwhile, old wooden panelling has been repurposed and transformed into a chic high bench, which the DIY-loving partner painted light grey.
According to Ebony, who posts under the username @ebonymariakay, they then plan to oil the deck and install a stylish pergola so she can enjoy the “sound of the rain” without getting soaked.
The backyard makeover also included raised wooden planter beds, which Ebony's partner installed himself and wanted to paint them grey.
Others who felt similarly horrified took to the comments section to share their thoughts, but the two Scots weren't the only ones dealing with the issue.
Top 10 plants to avoid in your garden and how to keep slugs away!
One person wrote: “Now I know why there are big holes all around our house.”
Another person noted that the issue is common, adding that “everyone who owns a deck seems to have the same problem.”
A third quickly revealed how they dealt with the rat infestation, writing: “The rats come back to the same spot every year.”
“In my old house, Renton would pest them every year. They love the deck, it's their favorite spot. Maybe we should get a cat.”
Meanwhile, another person speculated: “One treatment is not enough, but it all depends on how much you put below deck.”
How do you know if you have mice in your yard?
There are a few telltale signs that you're dealing with a rat infestation, one of which is tiny black droppings.
Mice have a tendency to leave dirty marks and stains behind, especially in areas where barbecues have been held, as food scraps can attract hungry mice.
If you notice teeth marks or gnawing marks on your garden furniture, this could be due to mice.
Do you have a large bust and can't find clothes that fit properly? Shop Fabulous' Fuller Bust Collection now.
Tips to keep pests out of your garden
Plant companion plants such as peppermint to keep mice away. Install a garden net pest barrier over your flower beds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place them in the soil to keep slugs away. Spray plants with neem oil to keep ants, flies and spiders away. Dust flower beds with diatomaceous earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil and 4 cups water and spray your flower beds. Place egg shells around your plants to protect them from slugs and snails.
