Rats can cause chaos in a garden, but there are ways to keep the pests at bay. An expert shared a ‘rodent repellent’ and it’s something you can easily put together at home
Rats can cause havoc in the garden, digging up plants and burying food.
According to an expert, an easy DIY repellent will send them “sprinting in the opposite direction”. Ash Read, the founder of Indoor Plants, has divulged a garden’s worst nightmare turned expert tip: “Rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare.”
He said while we may delight in fragrant lavender or rosemary bushes, it’s a different story for rats: “While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much.”
He highlighted that rosemary is often an effective deterrent, making these rodents think twice: “Rosemary’s presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling.” Moreover, marigolds are more than just pretty faces in the garden, with their smell acting as rodent repellent, and peppermint’s strong scent is another rat-turnoff: “Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent. Meanwhile, peppermint isn’t just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction.”
The green-fingered expert suggested a homemade remedy, noting that peppermint oil can be mixed with water for a DIY spray to protect entry points and prized plants, reports the Express. There are many ready-made peppermint spray options to buy online but a DIY spray can easily be made by adding a few drops of the essential oil to water.
Make sure to spritz this around any entryways such as fences and gates as well as around precious plants. Other essential oils which may keep the rodents away include lemon oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil. The expert said: “The same goes for chrysanthemums but my favourite is lavender, it’s a love-hate relationship, we love it and rats hate it.
“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. It’s like keeping your room tidy, fewer places to hide means fewer unwanted guests. Occasionally give your garden a little shuffle too.
“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, son of the founders of Total Clean, also recommended using plants to deter the pests from nesting in the garden.
The pro said: “Some plants such as mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their scent and taste. Regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation.” Britons can place seam garlic at entry points where rodents enter, making sure to change these regularly, especially if it rains.
