‘Strong’ scented gardens plants ‘effective’ for deterring rats - it ‘keeps them away’

It's always a worry when gardeners spot a rat in their backyard as rats are social animals, so if they see one then there are likely to be more nearby. Rather than opting for chemicals, an expert has exclusively stated five plants that can help deter these pests.

By Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

Bay leaf plant, rat

‘Strong’ scented gardens plants ‘effective’ for deterring rats - ‘keeps them away’ (Image: GETTY)

Getting rid of rats can be a challenging, frustrating and often, an expensive task. But, there is a more simple, hassle-free solution. Surprisingly, there are specific that keep these from invading and . Known for their fragrant properties, these favourite plants and herbs will actually be offensive to rodents, since they have a very strong sense of smell, much stronger than what humans have. What’s more, these natural repellents are non-toxic, inexpensive and safe to use (unlike some traps and chemicals), which is ideal for using around children or pets.

Bear in mind rodents are not only a nuisance, causing damage to properties and gardens, but they carry a host of diseases that can put one’s health at risk. That’s why it’s so important to pest-proof a garden to stop them entering.

Ricky Young, Pest control expert and owner of Young’s Pest Control, five plants that are sure to “keep rats away”.

1. Peppermint 

These rodents hate the fresh scents of the mint variety - particularly peppermint, as this tends to be the strongest.

The expert said: “The strong scent of peppermint can deter rats and other pests. 

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Fresh potted mint

These rodents hate the fresh scents of the mint variety - particularly peppermint (Image: Getty)

“You can plant peppermint around your property or use peppermint essential oil to keep rats away.”

2. Bay leaves

According to Ricky, rats “dislike” bay leaves. He said: “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 pest control expert at Fantastic Pest Control, also suggested using bay leaves to deter rats from 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 are well known for their pest repellent abilities. Ricky explained that they are “toxic to rats and other pests” as they contain a compound called alpha-terthienyl.

He added: “Planting marigolds around your garden and property can help to deter rats effectively."

Gardeners have long used marigolds in or around their gardens as they help repel insects too. 

They make an excellent companion plant to tomatoes, as they tend to have lots of issues with insect pests. 

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Closeup of orange marigold flowers and foliage

Rick explained that marigolds are “toxic to rats and other pests” (Image: Getty)

4. Garlic 

Most will have garlic in their home, and such smells are repulsive to rats and even mice.

Garlic has a number of sulphur compounds that emit a pungent scent which rats hate.

Gardeners can grow garlic in their gardens or in pots from cloves. Ricky said: “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.”

A sprout of sprung garlic from the ground.

Garlic has a number of sulphur compounds that emit a pungent scent which rats hate (Image: Getty)

When different pests are most active

When different pests are most active (Image: EXPRESS)

5. Black pepper 

Black pepper doesn’t kill rats but instead it repels them from a place permanently. 

It happens due to the spicy aroma that can give rodents nasal inflammation and physical discomfort.

Black pepper can be grown in the garden or purchased for less than £1 from local supermarkets.

The pest control pro said: “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.”

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