Getting rid of rats can be a difficult and costly task, but there’s a simpler solution. Certain plants can prevent these pests from invading homes and gardens, and they’re “surprisingly effective”.
These fragrant plants and herbs are unappealing to rodents due to their strong sense of smell, which is much more sensitive than humans.
Moreover, these natural repellents are non-toxic, affordable, and safe to use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
It’s essential to keep in mind that rodents are not only a nuisance, causing property damage and garden destruction, but they also carry diseases that can pose health risks. Therefore, pest-proofing your garden to prevent them from entering is crucial.
Ricky Young, a pest control expert and owner of Young’s Pest Control, recommends five plants that can help “keep rats away”.
1. Peppermint
Rats detest the fresh scent of mint, particularly peppermint, which is the strongest. According to the expert, “The strong scent of peppermint can deter rats and other pests.
“You can plant peppermint around your property or use peppermint essential oil to keep rats away.”
2. Bay leaves
Ricky noted that rats “dislike” bay leaves. He advised: “You can place bay leaves in areas where rats are likely to enter your home or store them in your pantry to keep rats away.”
Jordan Foster, a pest control expert at Fantastic Pest Control, has recommended using bay leaves as a rat deterrent in gardens.
He said: “Bay leaves are deadly for rats. They eat it thinking it’s food. It’s poisonous for them, so they’re going to die.”
3. Marigolds
Marigolds have long been celebrated for their ability to repel pests, and according to Ricky, they are “toxic to rats and other pests” due to a compound called alpha-terthienyl.
He advised: “Planting marigolds around your garden and property can help to deter rats effectively.”
Gardeners often plant marigolds near or in their gardens to ward off insects, and they serve as an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, which frequently suffer from insect infestations.
4. Garlic
Garlic is another household item that can be used to repel rats and mice, thanks to its strong smell that comes from several sulphur compounds.
Ricky suggested: “The strong odour of garlic can also repel rats. Planting garlic around your property or using garlic essential oil can help to keep them away.”
5. Black pepper
Lastly, black pepper is known not to kill rats but to repel them permanently due to its spicy scent causing nasal inflammation and discomfort in rodents.
The pest control expert revealed a spicy tip to deter rodents, saying: “Rats dislike the strong scent of black pepper, so sprinkling black pepper around areas where rats are likely to enter your home or storing black pepper in your pantry can help to keep rats away.”
