Deter rats from your garden forever with natural ingredient they 'can't stand'

19 April 2024 , 11:35

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You can deter rats in a humane way (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you spot rats in your garden, you may start to panic as the last thing you want is them entering your home.

As many more people turn to humane and natural methods of deterring rodents, an expert has shared that rather than turning to traps, or poison, there's a better way to banish them more sustainably. Yes, they may work as a temporary solution, but this will not prevent them from returning again and again - whereas using a natural ingredient that they can't stand will keep them out of your outdoor space - and therefore your home.

Experts at gardening retailer Primrose have shared two natural rat-deterrents that can "do wonders". One of the methods is essential oils, as "When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders in deterring rats from your garden due to their potency."

Rats "will dislike" the smells of peppermint oil, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form because they're so strong, reports The Express. Pure peppermint oil can be purchased on Amazon for £2.49, and citronella can be bought from Freshskin Beauty for £1.79.

A few drops in areas where you know the rats have been should "do the trick", according to the pros. Alternatively, if you'd prefer, you can soak cotton wool balls in the essential oil, and pop them in places where the rats are likely to be.

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As well as essential oils, rats also are not a fan of spice, and they "can't stand hot pepper or anything spicy", so use this to your advantage if you want your garden to be rodent-free for good.

To make a "homemade natural rat repellent spray" that's seriously spicy, start by mixing cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water. Cayenne pepper is just £1 at both Tesco and Asda. Chilli flakes are £1.09 from Morrisons, and £1.75 at Tesco.

Heat the mixture to infuse the chilli, then allow it to cool. The longer the solution is left, the more potent the chilli will be. If you've used chilli flakes, sieve them out, add castile soap and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Make sure you thoroughly spray where there has been evidence of rats.

Danielle Kate Wroe