Rats will ‘sprint in the opposite direction’ of gardens when smelling one household item
Rats are a common pest in the UK and can cause a lot of damage in gardens. But, there are natural remedies that can deter these rodents, according to experts.
Expert reveals how to protect your home from rats
Rats in the garden are an unpleasant sight for many but there are solutions to humanely deter them.
Ash Read, founder of Indoor Plants, has spoken out about rats in the garden as he explained that “rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare”.
He goes on to say: “While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much.”
His advice is that “rosemary’s presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling”.
He touched upon the deterring effects of marigolds too: “Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent.
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“Meanwhile, peppermint isn’t just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction."
Creating a peppermint spray at home is simple. Adding a few drops of essential oil to water will do the trick.
Ash advises making sure to spritz this around any entryways and your favourite plants.
He gives further advice about making use of other essential oils like lemon oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil to keep rats away.
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An important aspect of rat deterrence is certain flowers: "The same goes for chrysanthemums but my favourite is lavender, it's a love-hate relationship, we love it and rats hate it."
He also emphasises cleanliness: “Rats also thrive in messy, overgrown places. So, make sure to maintain a neat garden. Short grass, minimal overgrowth and organised garden tools are your allies.”
Emphasising the need for tidiness, he added: “It’s like keeping your room tidy, fewer places to hide means fewer unwanted guests. Occasionally give your garden a little shuffle too.”
Finishing his advice with a helpful tip, he encouraged vigilance saying: “By moving things around, you're playing a fun game of break the rat routine. Block access to decking and garden structures too.”
Carlos Garcia, the son of Total Clean's founders, offered sage advice on using certain plants to keep rats at bay. The expert suggested: "Some plants such as mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their scent and taste."
He also urged gardeners to “regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation”.
A nifty trick to stop rodents in their tracks? Use garlic cloves at entry points, making sure to refresh them regularly and even more so when it rains.
