Rats can be a real nuisance in the garden, but there are some simple and cost-effective ways to keep them at bayThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Rats can cause damage in gardens and even spread diseases(Image: Raphael Ruz via Getty Images)
Gardening enthusiasts regularly encounter difficulties with pests like slugs and snails. Nevertheless, rats can pose a particularly bothersome problem for those who want to enjoy the peace of their garden without interruption.
Robert Collins has provided his professional guidance for keeping these uninvited visitors away from your garden, revealing a domestic essential that you’ll commonly find at home. Here are three things that could help you rid your garden from rats.
1. Essential oils
Essential oils are praised as a natural approach for repelling the problematic rodents, reports the Daily Record.
Robert from MyJobQuote.co.uk says: “This is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to get rid of rats. Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Citronella are great examples of essential oils that are brilliant at deterring rats.”
He notes that the powerful aroma of such oils functions as a rat deterrent and explains that you can make a homemade rat-repelling spray by combining an essential oil with water in a spray bottle. For those eager to attempt this remedy, he proposes a blend of one part essential oil to nine parts water and recommends spraying it along the borders of the garden and any favoured rat routes.
Onions are a cheap and natural solution(Image: Stefanie Grewel via Getty Images)2. Onions
Onions also prove useful, according to Robert, who claims they work as effective rat deterrents owing to their pungent smell which rats find repulsive. He recommends slicing up several onions and placing them around the boundary of your garden or at any known entry points.
This solution is not only straightforward but also budget-friendly, with onions available from local supermarkets for as little as 12p each from Tesco or 95p from Waitrose.
3. Steel wool
Steel wool is another recommended choice. It can be used to prevent rats from accessing your garden. The expert advised: “If there are any visible access points where you know the rats are entering and exiting from, stuff some steel wool into these gaps.”
He added: “Steel wool is a great barrier as it’s difficult for rats to nibble at steel wool. They will eventually give up when they find they can’t get through it.”
Robert suggests using steel wool to properly seal rat access points. He recommended, “Fill the gaps with steel wool and then put caulk around the steel wool to ensure it stays in place.
“Alternatively, you can use spray foam to keep it in place. If there are cracks or openings in your walls, you can apply caulking, which will create an airtight seal that protects your home from pests.”
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He also warned about potential entry points via chimneys. In this case, you should install chimney grates.
However, this task is best left to professionals.
You should also seal any vents with mouse mesh to prevent access. If there are gaps in your roof, you can also fill these with sealants, roof tar, or tiles.
Robert concluded: “Whenever you seal a gap to prevent rats from accessing your property, it’s important to always use metal. Rats can chew through most materials.”
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