It is possible to deter rats from your garden and home without using unsafe pest control methods.

Ash Read, the founder of Indoor Plants, has shared his expertise on how to keep rats out of your garden as he warned that “rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare”. 

He suggests that certain plants can act as natural deterrents: “While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much.”

Ash recommends planting rosemary because “rosemary's presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling”.

He also highlights the effectiveness of marigolds, noting: “Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent.”

Peppermint is another plant he mentions, stating: “Meanwhile, peppermint isn't just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction.”

To use peppermint as a repellent, Ash advises creating a homemade spray by adding a few drops of essential oil to water and spritzing it around entryways and plants. 

He also suggests using other essential oils like lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil to keep the rodents at bay.

Flowers play a significant role in deterring rats, with Ash saying: “The same goes for chrysanthemums but my favourite is lavender, it’s a love-hate relationship, we love it and rats hate it.”

Lastly, he stresses the importance of cleanliness in the garden. He advised: “Rats also thrive in messy, overgrown places. 

“So, make sure to maintain a neat garden. Short grass, minimal overgrowth and organised garden tools are your allies.

“By moving things around, you’re playing a fun game of break the rat routine. Block access to decking and garden structures too.”

Carlos Garcia, whose parents founded Total Clean, shared some wisdom on repelling rats with specific plants. He advised: “Some plants such as mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their scent and taste.”

Additionally, he reinforced the need for regular garden checks by saying, “Regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation”.

For those seeking an inventive way to banish rodents, the expert recommended placing garlic cloves at entry points, and refreshing them often, particularly after rainfall.