Rats in the garden can be a pain for homeowners, but there are ways to keep them at bay. A gardening expert has shared a simple hack to stop the pests in their tracks
An expert has revealed top tips for rat-free gardens, as Ash Read of Indoor Plants opens up about the distress caused by rodents. Read expressed his dismay: “rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare”. He’s given hope to distressed gardeners, stating “While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much.”
His expertise suggests that “rosemary’s presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling”. Not stopping there, he also highlighted marigolds’ ability to repel these pests: “Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent.”
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Peppermint is another rat deterrent, with Read explaining “Meanwhile, peppermint isn’t just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction.”
The green-fingered guru gave a handy household tip on how to create an effective peppermint spray: simply mix a few drops of essential oil with water. Read recommends diligently spraying the homemade mixture around entrances and beloved plants to fend off the vermin.
Diversifying your anti-rodent arsenal with additional essentials oils such as lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil is also advised by the plant aficionado, reports the Express.
He goes further, suggesting certain flowers have the power to deter rats, noting: “The same goes for chrysanthemums but my favourite is lavender, it’s a love-hate relationship, we love it and rats hate it.”
In his closing remarks, Read emphasises the importance of tidiness, advising “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.”
Stressing the importance of a tidy environment, he explained: “It’s like keeping your room tidy, fewer places to hide means fewer unwanted guests. Occasionally give your garden a little shuffle too.”
He concluded his guidance with a clever idea, advising watchfulness and added: “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, whose parents founded Total Clean, imparted wisdom on utilising specific plants to deter rats. He proposed: “Some plants such as mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their scent and taste.”
Garcia also recommended that gardeners should “regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation”.
Looking for a cunning tactic to halt rodents in their tracks? Placing garlic cloves at entry points works wonders, but remember to replace them frequently, especially after rain.