This lack of cover makes the rats uncomfortable and more susceptible to predators. Rat guards can be as simple as a piece of sheet metal 18-24 inches wide and as long as the circumference of the tree plus two inches. Use a piece of wire bent like a giant staple to secure the ends of the sheet metal without penetrating the tree. Put the back of the wire against the tree's trunk and insert the two ends of the wire through holes in the sheet metal. Then bend the wire outward to hold the ends of the rat guard together.
Sanitation is also important.
Use or remove all fallen fruit. If you have more fruit than you can use, contact your local food banks or become involved with community fruit salvage operations. Trapping Trapping rats has many advantages over the use of poisons. It greatly reduces the risk of the poisoned rat finding its way into your home or buildings, dying and causing an odor problem. The tree can also be protected by tying several rat traps around the trunk of the tree with the triggers pointing down.