Rats run in the opposite direction of gardens when they smell a common item

Gardeners who are distressed by the sight of rats in their gardens may find solace in the advice of Ash Read, founder of Indoor Plants. He shared his experience on how to deter these unwanted visitors.

Ash Read has taken a firm stance against rats in gardens, commenting: “Rats in a garden can turn a peaceful place into a nightmare.” He points out that certain plants emit scents that rats find unpleasant, saying: “While you and I enjoy the smell of lavender or the sweet aroma of a rosemary bush, rats do not.”

He particularly recommends planting rosemary, suggesting that it may make rats think twice about making a home in your garden: “the presence of rosemary in the garden can often make rats think twice about settling in.” Marigolds are another plant he suggests for keeping rodents away, as he notes: “Marigolds, with their unique scent, also act as a rodent repellent.”

Read also highlights peppermint’s effectiveness not only as a tea ingredient, but also as a rat repellent due to its potent aroma: “Meanwhile, peppermint isn’t just great for tea; its strong aroma sends rats running in the opposite direction.”

For those interested in a homemade solution, he advises making a peppermint spray by mixing essential oil with water and spraying it around potential entry points and near beloved plants, as reported by Express.

Read, an expert in natural repellents, suggests using essential oils like lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil to keep mice away. He also highlights the role of certain flowers in repelling these rodents, saying, “The same goes for chrysanthemums, but my favorite is lavender. It’s a love-hate relationship, we love it and the mice hate it.”

He further emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order when combating rat infestations, advising: “Rats also thrive in messy, overgrown areas, so make sure you keep your yard clean. Short grass, minimal growth, and organized gardening tools are your allies.”

He adds: “It’s like keeping your bedroom tidy, fewer places to hide means fewer unwanted guests. Give your garden a little tweak every now and then too.”

“By moving things around, you’re playing a fun game of breaking up the rats’ routine. Block access to your deck and garden structures, too.”

Carlos Garcia, son of the founders of Total Clean, also shared his wisdom on using specific plants to deter rats. The expert suggested: “Some plants like mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their smell and taste.”

He also urged those with green fingers to “regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation.” One clever tip he shared to deter rodents is to position garlic cloves at entry points, ensuring they are refreshed frequently, and even more so after rain.