Garden expert Ash Read of Indoor Plants has shared his top tips for keeping rats out of gardens, revealing natural deterrent plants and outdoor repellent remedies. Read expressed dismay that "rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare" but offered hope, stating: "While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much."
Plants That Repel Rats
Read explained that rosemary's presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling. He also emphasised marigolds' capacity to ward off these unwanted visitors: "Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent." Peppermint serves as another effective deterrent. "Meanwhile, peppermint isn't just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction," Read said.
To create a homemade peppermint spray, Read suggests combining a few drops of essential oil with water and consistently spraying the solution around entry points and cherished plants. He also recommends expanding your rodent-repelling toolkit with additional essential oils such as lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.
Additional Deterrents and Garden Maintenance
Read proposed that certain flowers possess the ability to discourage 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." He stressed the significance of tidiness: "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."
Underlining the value of a well-kept 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 added: "By moving things around, you're playing a fun game of break the rat routine. Block access to decking and garden structures too."
Expert Advice from Total Clean
Carlos Garcia, whose parents founded Total Clean, offered insight into using particular plants to repel rats. He 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." Garcia also advised that gardeners should "regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation."
Positioning garlic cloves at entry points proves highly effective, though it's essential to swap them out regularly, particularly following rainfall.
