Expert shares three top plants to naturally keep rats away from your garden this winter

As we head into November, your lush garden might unexpectedly play host to some undesired guests. It's the prime time for rats keen on setting up shop for the winter months, munching through your greenery, and nesting amidst your carefully tended flowerbeds. Act swiftly at the first sign of these furry intruders; they're not just a nuisance but rapid breeders that spread nasty diseases, risking the health of your soil, reports the Express .

The go-to solution may be poison, but hold your horses before scattering it around – pest control pros will tell you, you risk collateral damage to the local fauna, nosy neighbourhood felines, and your own cherished pets. So, what’s the alternative? James Neal, the green-fingered guru from Neal Landscapes, recommends a refreshing twist: plant warfare! James advises, "Instead of using pesticides and potentially damaging products, why not consider incorporating some of these rodent and insect-repellent plants? " If you're wondering which botanical bouncers to recruit for rat control, look no further than the Mole Plant. Known to its mates as caper spurge, it's a top choice for rodent repulsion.



Rats are cursed with super-sensitive noses that can’t handle the pungent pong these plants pack. Plus, their sap is like a botanic electric fence giving rats a good reason to back off from your blooms. Mole plants are a top choice for keeping rats at bay, and they're not just effective against these rodents; they'll also keep mice from wreaking havoc in your garden.

James explained: "Molehills and mice droppings can transform your garden from a lovely, relaxing space into a pest-infested enclosure, so the use of Mole Plant is highly recommended." He added that mole plants contain castor oil, which is a well-known mole repellent, making them an excellent option if you're dealing with unwanted garden visitors. Sage is another plant that can prevent rats from invading your green space, mainly due to its potent scent, which humans find pleasant but rats find repulsive.

Not only does sage's aroma deter rats, but it also produces oils that give its leaves a bitter taste, discouraging rats from nibbling on your plants or nesting nearby. However, James suggests that planting a herb patch with peppermint, lavender, and rosemary could be beneficial as well, since their strong scents are also known to keep rats at a distance. James remarked: "Much like basil and lavender, sage has a strong aroma which, while pleasant for humans, is overwhelming for rodents and bugs.

" He advised gardeners to place sage around plants that are being targeted by pests, creating an affordable yet effective barrier. "And even better, sage is one of the more versatile plants, which means it will happily grow in any soil type so long as it is exposed to the sun." Oregano is another herb to consider for its pest-repellent properties.

Rats tend to sneak into gardens in the autumn as that's when many ripe vegetables are ready for the picking, making oregano an absolute must-have around your crops. The herb is favoured for planting near veggies because of its strong scent that rats despise and its spicy taste which puts off the rodents from nibbling other plants nearby. Rats associate bitter flavours with poison, so they'll consider your garden a no-go zone, thinking it's unsafe and devoid of food.

Not just a rodent repellent, oregano also boasts antifungal qualities, keeping common plant diseases at bay and protecting your soil. Gardening expert James highlighted: "Most gardeners opt for using oregano to shield garlic, onions and chives in particular, so it is most definitely a valuable addition to your vegetable patch. "Ideally, oregano should be homed in an area that sees at least 6 hours of sun a day and can receive a steady supply of moisture.

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