As the weather gets colder, rats and mice may be more likely to seek shelter in our homes – but there’s a simple way to keep them at bayKatie-Ann Gupwell Content Editor, Sam Dimmer East Midlands Head of Brand and Shauna Bannon Ward
06:27, 30 Oct 2025
There are things you can do to prevent rats(Image: Getty)
This is the time of year when rats may invade our properties, looking for shelter from the colder temperatures.
Fortunately, there’s a simple technique you can use to attempt to keep these unwanted visitors away.
Whilst these rodents might be searching for sustenance and a cosy spot to overwinter, you can implement measures to discourage them from entering your garden.
According to Kris, who goes by PermacultureFX on TikTok, a basic plant can be used to repel rats and mice.
The landscape design specialist, who posts gardening advice online, explained the method is brilliant if you’re looking for an effortless approach to pest management, reports RSVP Live.
Kris recommended it’s a superb plant to place close to animal feed and bird storage zones, or anywhere that could normally draw rats.
You might be surprised to learn there are various items in your garden that can lure them in.
In the clip, Kris disclosed: “I’m going to share with you this plant that we started using around our feed shed that is completely eradicating rats and mice. This is gold.
“It’s a low growing ground cover called panadol. It smells a little bit, but it has some great other medicinal properties.
“It’s very highly scented, and it literally just keeps the rats and the mice at bay. A really fast growing ground cover.”
If you grow panadol, remember that it needs shielding from frost, as it’s not a winter-resistant plant. Occasionally, it may need growing in a pot or protection when sown straight into the ground.
This specific herb, a type of Plectranthus, is valued for its fragrant properties and alleged therapeutic advantages, along with its standing for deterring uninvited guests, although scientific proof remains absent.
Also known as Plectranthus caninus, the plant is believed to repel rats due to its strong, unique scent.
Many gardeners report that placing it close to areas such as storage sheds or fruit trees effectively deters rodents, including mice, rats and squirrels.
The smell only appears when the leaves are touched, yet the plant allegedly spreads rapidly along the ground whilst boasting remarkable pest-repelling properties.
For those looking to discourage unwanted animals, it can be placed around the base of trees or bushes, or employed as ground cover near buildings like storage facilities, creating a defensive barrier.
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