To combat the presence of rats and mice in gardens, experts shared the best natural methods that may help
Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
08:45, 20 Apr 2026
To combat the presence of rats and mice in gardens, experts shared the best natural methods that may help(Image: EyeEm Mobile GmbH via Getty Images)
Pests can pose a significant threat to homes and gardens nationwide as spring arrives. Rats and mice begin searching for food and shelter, making gardens particularly vulnerable to infestations.
Many people prefer to steer clear of commercial and chemical solutions when tackling the issue, concerned about potentially harming other wildlife and plant life in their gardens. We consulted experts to discover the most effective natural defences that are budget-friendly while keeping unwanted visitors away as temperatures climb.
Here are the top natural deterrents you can employ in your garden to repel rats and mice this spring, reports the Express.
Peppermint oil is described as one of the ‘best’ natural defences you can use(Image: Getty)
Ryan Kaila, waste and recycling expert at Kingfisher Direct – Peppermint oil
Ryan highlighted peppermint oil as amongst the finest natural deterrents available for warding off pests. He explained: “Peppermint oil is the most effective and one of the most popular deterrents. This is because the strong menthol scent of peppermint makes mice and rats avoid the area.
“Putting peppermint oil in your bins or around your bin areas can help to deter rats and mice outside, if rats in bins outside is a problem. All you have to do is put the oil on something such as cotton wool, napkins, etc. This should soak up the oil and hold off mice and rats.”
Victoria Parkinson, Gardening Expert at Arctic Cabins – Crushed chilli flakes or cayenne pepper
Victoria said: “This one is brilliantly simple, chilli contains capsaicin, the same compound that makes your mouth burn after a spicy curry. Rodents are extra sensitive to it because they can’t break it down properly. So when they sniff or nibble chilli-dusted areas, they get an unpleasant surprise that irritates their nose and mouth.
“They’ll quickly learn to associate that spot with a bad experience and move elsewhere. Best of all, birds aren’t bothered by capsaicin, so your feathered garden visitors stay perfectly happy.
“Sprinkle a thin line of chili flakes or cayenne powder right around the edges of your flower beds, align fence lines and directly at the entrance of any mouse holes you spot. If rain is forecast, mix two tablespoons of cayenne with a litre of warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid, then spray it onto plant stems and soil and then reapply every few days or after heavy rain.”
Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management – Eucalyptus oil and used coffee grounds
Mosh said: “Eucalyptus oil is highly effective against rodents and is one we use to advise homeowners on when they want a chemical-free solution. The cineole in eucalyptus oil is both an irritant and a strong olfactory deterrent – rodents actively move away from it.
“Apply it by soaking rags or cloth strips and placing them near known entry points, garden sheds, log stores and bin areas. It’s also a practical choice for gardens with pets or children, as it’s safe once dry and widely available from health food shops and pharmacies.”
On using coffee grounds, you actually get dual benefits. Not only will it work as a pest deterrent, it can also be beneficial for the ground where it’s scattered.
Mosh explained: “Coffee grounds are a brilliant, zero-cost deterrent that most households already produce. The strong, bitter aroma interferes with a rodent’s ability to detect food sources nearby, making your garden far less attractive as a foraging ground.
“Scatter used grounds thickly around the base of bird feeders, compost bins and vegetable beds – all the spots where mice and rats typically investigate first. They’re also beneficial to the soil, so you’re getting a double benefit. Just top them up every few days, especially after rain washes them in.”
Consider planting strong-smelling herbs around the edge of the garden(Image: Getty)
Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys – Herbs
There are several strongly scented herbs that can be positioned or cultivated in the garden to act as an effective deterrent. Luke explained: “Planting fragrant herbs such as mint, lavender or rosemary can also help.
“These don’t guarantee rodents will disappear overnight, but they do make the garden far less appealing. Mint is a good choice, but it’s best grown in pots as it can spread quickly.”
How to prevent rats and mice from returning to gardens
Before resorting to natural deterrents, there are several straightforward jobs homeowners can undertake in the garden to minimise the likelihood of pest infestations. While they might seem trivial, these measures can create a significant impact on your outdoor area.
Luke said: “Just as important is removing what attracts mice and rats in the first place. Clearing away fallen bird seed, keeping food securely stored and turning compost regularly all make a big difference. Tidying up overgrown areas, wood piles and dense ground cover also removes the quiet, sheltered spots rodents like to nest in.”
He even shared some long-term prevention methods. Luke explained: “For a longer-term, wildlife-friendly solution, encouraging natural predators like owls can help keep numbers down. Something as simple as an owl box can have a real impact over time.”
Emily, garden and home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, echoed the same sentiment, saying: “Keeping rats and mice under control in and around the home is really about making the environment less attractive to them in the first place, rather than relying on reactive measures.
“Food sources should be removed entirely, so all waste needs to be stored in sealed bins, pet food should not be left out overnight, and compost heaps should be well managed so they do not become a feeding ground.
“Entry points are just as important, and even small gaps around sheds, pipework and air bricks can allow rodents inside, so these should be sealed as a priority.”
She also pointed to regular garden upkeep, explaining it can make a “significant difference”. Emily continued: “Regular garden upkeep also makes a significant difference, particularly cutting back dense vegetation, removing piles of wood, leaves or debris, and keeping storage areas tidy and raised off the ground where possible.
“The key is consistency, as rodents are highly adaptable and will quickly return if conditions remain favourable.”
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