Rats are more likely to enter gardens in winter as they look for a warm shelter, but there are some simple ways to deter them without using harmful chemicals
Rats are more prone to enter the garden during the colder weather(Image: Paul Grace Photography Somersham via Getty Images)
Gardeners must remain alert as rats are more prone to venture into gardens during cold weather, but there’s a straightforward method to discourage them before they establish themselves as a nuisance. Rats typically become a significant concern during winter months as they search for warm refuge with abundant food sources nearby, making them less cautious about human proximity.
Nevertheless, before resorting to poison or alternative chemical treatments, consider initially attempting some basic natural remedies which won’t be expensive and are unlikely to endanger wildlife or domestic animals. Elizabeth, a specialist from Polytunnel Gardening, has revealed you can stop rats from accessing gardens “for good” by cultivating particular plants recognised for repelling them.
She explained: “Some plants naturally deter rats due to their strong sense of smell, and filling your flower beds and vegetable patches with them can keep the pests away.
“Some rat deterrent plants you should consider include daffodils, garlic, lavender, sage, marigolds and oregano,” reports the Express.
Lavender can be highly toxic to rats if consumed(Image: Getty)
It might appear odd, but rats possess remarkably acute noses and can be readily overwhelmed by blooms and herbs with potent aromas.
Flowers, such as lavender, prove most effective in your garden, as whilst they emit a pleasant, fragrant aroma for people, they’re exceptionally aggravating for rodents.
Rats require their sense of smell to hunt for food and detect if predators are close by.
When strong-scented plants disguise these odours, they’ll conclude a garden isn’t worth inhabiting.
Some of these plants contain compounds that are toxic to rodents, such as daffodils, which have lycorine.
Rodents will not remain in an area if they believe everything nearby is poisonous to eat.
However, the most effective approach is to plant a variety of these plants around the perimeters of your garden or in locations where rodents are likely to burrow. This should help deter them.
It should be noted that daffodils are highly toxic to cats and dogs, so if your pets are young or prone to eating plants, keep them out of your garden.
Other plants mentioned here, such as garlic, lavender, oregano, and marigold, can also harm pets if they consume a large quantity, so be cautious and do your own research before growing them if you have a cat or dog.
Make sure rats cannot smell any food (Image: Getty)
One of the most common reasons rats enter gardens is if they detect food nearby and there are lots of untidy areas for them to burrow without anyone noticing.
If you plant rat deterrent plants, ensure that your garden is tidied up without any rubbish or overgrown areas to prevent it from becoming an appealing place for rodents.
Elizabeth said: “Regularly mowing grass, trimming bushes and removing weeds will reduce the adequate hiding places for rats to hide in your garden.”
She added: “Removing rat attractants from your garden will naturally deter them. Attractants include bird and pet food, compost, trash, fallen fruit and vegetables, faecal matter and water sources.”
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