Catching a glimpse of a rodent scurrying through your garden is a worrying sight.
It means they’re probably nibbling in the vegie patch and even worse, they could potentially enter the home.
But you can stop these creepy pests in their tracks by using your garden to your advantage by planting one shrub rats can’t stand.
Rats can nibble all your hard work in the veggie patch. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Gardeners shared the recommendation in the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page after a woman asked for advice.
“Not so much gardening, however, any suggestions on how to keep rats out of the garden? Are there any plants that may stop them?” she posted.
Overwhelmingly the answer was lavender, a plant loved for its fragrance and ability to attract beneficial pollinators.
Six mosquito deterrent plants to add to your garden
“Rats are repulsed by strong scents, so lavender works well to deter them,” a woman responded.
“Lavender. I have rats in my yard. I put a flower pot with lavender outside, and they never come near my back door now,” a gardener said.
“Lavender, I planted these on the side of my house next to the garage and have not had one come in the garage since planting,” a man commented.
“Lavender or highly scented herbs are reported to keep rats at bay in a garden,” another wrote.
READ MORE: The herb you should grow next to tomatoes for a healthier plant and tastier fruit
READ MORE: Beloved Scottish animal is the newest Christmas décor trend
READ MORE: These shoes saved my feet when walking 204,678 steps in 8 days
Lavender is also a mosquito and moth deterrent. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The reason lavender is so effective at deterring rats is because the scent many humans love is hated by rats.
“Lavender has a powerful, aromatic fragrance that many pests find overwhelming. This is because it contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which give it that distinct smell,” How to Pest Control explained.
To get the most out of planting lavender as a rat deterrent, Buzz Boss Pest Control recommends putting it in key spots.
“Plant them strategically around your yard, especially near potential entry points, food sources, or nesting areas. Maintain your plants regularly by watering, pruning, and fertilizing them as needed,” the experts said.
“Combine plants with other rat control methods, such as traps, baits, or repellents.”
It’s recommended to use lavender in conjunction with other pest control methods. (Getty)
According to BP Direct Pest Control you don’t even need to plant it in the garden or a pot to stop rats.
“Alternatively, to growing this herb, you could sprinkle a few stalks around the base of plants in your garden creating a barrier and keeping rats at bay,” they said.
Planting lavender in spots where rats tend to enter the garden is best. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
However, How To Pest Control warns that other measures need to be used in conjunction with lavender as it might not work on all rats.
“While lavender might make an area less appealing to some rats, it’s not a guaranteed solution. Some rats might be slightly deterred, while others might not care at all. It really depends on the rats in question, how hungry they are, and how desperate they are for shelter,” the experts said.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Autumn flowering plant chrysanthemum is also considered a rat deterrent. (Getty)
If lavender doesn’t work well for you or you’re not a fan of it there are other plants you can try. These include chrysanthemums, onions and black pepper.
Other alternatives include peppermint oil and blocking up any gaps in the home or garden with fine steel wool.
But if your rat problem persists or is bigger than just the occasional rat then it’s time to call the professionals.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Comments are closed.