Spring is on its way but with the warmer weather and blooming flowers comes a less welcome guest.
Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
04:36, 08 Mar 2026
Cat litter has a surprising use(Image: Lightspruch via Getty Images)
Spring is approaching and flowers are starting to blossom. The sun is breaking through the clouds, but with spring comes one less desirable visitor – rats.
Rats commence their breeding season in March, and once they’ve made themselves at home in your property or garden, they can prove incredibly challenging to remove.
As spring arrives, rats search for secure nesting locations and if your garden fits the bill, they’re likely to remain.
A single rat can produce between 30 and 80 offspring annually, and female rats can start breeding from as young as five weeks old.
That’s why it’s essential to make your property as uninviting as possible.
Property management specialist Alex Hughes from Letted has revealed his top recommendations to ensure rodents avoid your home. Firstly, the simplest method to achieve this is by disrupting their scent trails, reports the Express.
He said: “Rats rely heavily on smell to navigate and assess risk. If an area smells unsafe, then they are more than likely to move elsewhere.”
One excellent choice is ammonia as it replicates the scent of a predator. Position small quantities around your garden and entry points to discourage rodents.
This will keep rats away(Image: Getty)
If you own a cat, then used cat litter is another excellent alternative, as it carries the scent of a predator.
Position the cat litter in a sealed, breathable container outdoors and let nature do the rest.
Peppermint oil is another excellent choice. It can overwhelm rats’ scent receptors and make them reconsider settling.
To utilise this, saturate cotton balls in the oil and position them around your home. Alex stated: “Using any of the above or a combination can make your garden and your home less appealing before rats establish a nest.”
It’s also vital to ensure your garden is devoid of food sources. Any food waste or compost must be securely stored.
Alex added: “If rats settle now, you will be dealing with a much larger issue in the summer. Rats have between 1,200 and 1,500 scent receptor genes, much more than the 400 humans have.
“Rats can detect food from bins, compost heaps and even pet food left outside. If food is easily accessible, your home becomes an easy target.”
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