Garden make-over shows have placed decking at the heart of the trendy home – however it is attracting a plague of unwanted guests.

Pest control experts warn the void beneath decking is proving an ideal breeding ground for millions of super rats and mice.

The wooden boards keeps out the cold and rain in the winter, fallen leaves can be dragged in providing bedding.

The British Pest Control Association said that rats live in environments where they feel safe and will not be disturbed, the space under decking offers them nice cosy environments in which to build their nests.

The national rat population has been estimated at 70 million, while the number of mice is through to be six to seven times higher.

At EGR build a concrete raft foundation for some of the following reasons:-

• There is no void under the building which avoids rodents nesting.
• No decking is required outside the room to cover the void area – we use paving slabs only.