Rats are often unwelcome in most gardens as they can spread serious diseases as well as cause damage to garden structures.
They are mostly nocturnal meaning they may not always be seen but their damage can be.
While the most common way to get rid of rats is to lay poison or to place out traps, it is best to try not to harm them.
1. Essential oils
According to the experts at Primrose, rats have one of the best senses of smell in the animal kingdom, meaning disrupting this can deter them.
They explained: “When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders to effectively deter rats from your garden due to their potency.
“Peppermint oil, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form are all smells that rats will dislike.”
Place a few drops of these around areas where you know rats love to hang out and that should do the trick.
2. Hot pepper
The gardening pros noted: “Similarly to essential oils, rats’ high sense of smells means they can’t stand hot pepper or anything very spicy so it will deter them forever.
“You can make your own homemade natural rat repellent spray with cayenne pepper or chilli flakes.”
To make this homemade spray, mix cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water and gently heat the mixture to infuse the spices.
Allow it to cool before sieving out the chilli flakes and placing it into a spray bottle with a little Castile soap.
This solution can then be sprayed in areas where there is evidence of rats, being careful not to touch plants with it.
3. Block off shelter
Rats love making homes in garden structures such as sheds, so it is important to block this off.
The experts cautioned: “Before you do this, ensure no rats are living underneath the structure you are blocking off, as they will die an unpleasant death.
“Have a general clear up in your garden, getting rid of any debris and cutting back overgrown vegetation. This will provide rats with less cover.”
Gardeners can also take this opportunity to move things around in their garden to confuse the pests.
The gardening gurus explained: “Rats are neophobic, and this disruption of their territory will confuse them and encourage them to make a home elsewhere.”
4. Remove food sources
Rats are often attracted to gardens because they contain lots of food sources, especially if you have a compost heap.
The experts said: “Compost bins are a treasure trove to rats. Ensure your compost bin is secure and move it away from possible routes of access, such as fences and walls.”
Make sure rats also have no access to bird feeders as they will keep returning.
