Effectively deter rats from your home with four ‘beautiful’ plants rodents ‘cannot stand'
Rats are not just a nuisance, but they can cause significant damage to both your garden and home. Luckily, a property expert has shared how to keep the pests away by using plants as deterrents.
Rats often enter the home in search of shelter and food, and this is particularly common in the summer months.
They’re notorious for gnawing on wires, insulation and structural elements of your home as well as ruining the garden.
They can also contaminate food and spread diseases, so it is super important to prevent an infestation than trying to deal with one once it has occurred.
Property expert Neil Mckenzie from Halton Stairlifts said: “Certain plants have natural properties that repel rats.
“Incorporating these plants into your garden and around your home can be an effective and eco-friendly way to deter these pests.”
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1. Mint
Rats as well as other pests dislike the strong scent of mint so planting it around your home and garden can keep them away.
Britons can also use dried mint leaves or essential oil in places where they think rats may be a problem.
2. Lavender
Lavender, known for its pleasant scent to humans, is disliked by many animals including cats, foxes and rats.
Plant lavender around the garden in flower beds or individual containers or use dried lavender sachets inside the home.
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3. Daffodils
The expert said: “These beautiful flowers are toxic to rats and other rodents. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your property can act as a natural deterrent.”
3. Garlic
The strong smell of garlic is another scent that rats find unpleasant but a plant that is particularly useful for humans in cooking.
Neil recommended planting garlic in your garden or placing cloves in areas where rats are a problem.
4. Catnip
While catnip may attract cats to your garden, it “deters” rats due to its strong scent, similar to all the other plants.
Planting catnip in your garden can create a natural rat repellent, and it also comes in sprinkles. The expert continued: “In addition to planting natural repellents, here are some additional tips to keep rats out of your property.
“Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks or holes that rats could use to enter. Seal these entry points with steel wool, caulk or metal mesh.
“Ensure your home, especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food crumbs. Store food in airtight containers to avoid attracting rats.”
It is also important to keep rubbish bins tightly sealed and dispose regularly as well as check often for signs of rodents.
According to the expert, all of these tips plus using plants can “effectively deter rats” as rodents “cannot stand” them.
