Rats are a common problem for gardeners, as they enjoy nibbling on fruits, vegetables, and flowers, whilst scavenging near your binsAngela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
04:00, 05 Jul 2025
Rats are a very common pest(Image: Corinne von Nordmann via Getty Images)
If you’re battling rats in your garden, rest assured you’re not the only one facing this nuisance. These unwelcome visitors are notorious for munching on a variety of plants and rummaging around bins.
While they can be a challenge to eliminate, there are several natural methods that can help keep them at bay. Gardeners often resort to homemade solutions as a natural deterrent against rats.
Although it might require some experimentation, these remedies tend to be safer and more cost-effective than their chemical counterparts.
In search of a non-toxic rat repellent, Sally Finch sought advice on the Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook group.
Her post read: “Hi guys, need some advice on getting rid of rats naturally.”
Among various tips like maintaining a tidy garden, the standout suggestion was the use of peppermint oil, reports the Express.
Group participant Angela Beattie said: “Soak cotton wool balls in peppermint oil and place along known rat runs – you’ll never see them again.”
Rats hate peppermint oil(Image: Tfilm via Getty Images)
She emphasised the importance of using pure peppermint oil, she added: “It has to be 100% pure, though, otherwise it won’t work. We used this method, and it really does work, and if you put them where they don’t get wet, even better.
“The smell lasts for ages – wear rubber gloves! Peppermint oil disrupts the scent trails they leave behind.
“Word of warning: it can negatively affect birds and other wildlife, so place where you know birds, hedgehogs, etc, don’t go.”
In addition to peppermint-soaked cotton balls, the oil itself can be utilised to concoct an enticing yet effective rat bait.
Position the bait in parts of your garden where you’ve spotted these pests. The potent aroma of peppermint oil will draw the rats in, and its repellent properties will then drive them away.
If you’re running low on peppermint oil or wish to dilute its scent without compromising its efficacy, consider concocting an essential oil mixture.
Other essential oils, such as tea tree, cinnamon, citronella, and eucalyptus, also possess pest-repelling attributes.
Combine these oils and apply them using the aforementioned techniques for potentially enhanced outcomes.