23 hours Ago By Angela Patrone
Rats can not only wreak havoc in your garden , but they can also spread harmful diseases, and the problem can escalate if they infiltrate your home. While traps or poison are commonly used to eliminate these pests , experts suggest trying natural methods first. Rat poison is toxic and can pose a risk to wildlife, pets, and humans, with high levels of rat poison detected in animals higher up the food chain.
What’s more, neither traps nor poisons offer sustainable solutions for keeping rats out of your garden. They merely eliminate the existing ones. If you’re looking for a sustainable and natural way to deter rats, prevention is key.
Gardening retailer Primrose’s experts have shared two natural rat deterrents that can “do wonders” - and one of them rats “can’t stand”. Rats possess one of the most superior senses of smell among pests and animals, even surpassing dogs. The experts explained: “When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders in deterring rats from your garden due to their potency.
” Peppermint oil, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form are all “smells that rats will dislike”. The professionals suggested that a few drops of these oils in their pure form around areas known to be frequented by rats "should do the trick". Alternatively, cotton wool soaked in essential oil can be placed in areas where rats are known to pass through.
The experts assert that even more effective than essential oils, rats “can’t stand hot pepper or anything spicy", making it an excellent deterrent against these pests. To create a "homemade natural rat repellent spray" using this spice, begin by combining cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water. Vigorously heat the mixture to infuse the chilli, then allow it to cool.
The longer the solution is left, the stronger the chilli will become. If you’ve used chilli flakes, strain them out. Add a bit of biodegradable castile soap and decant the mixture into a spray bottle.
Finish by generously applying the spray to areas where there are signs of rat activity..
