7 hours Ago By Sophie Harris
Rats are more noticeable in spring due to warmer temperatures and increased food availability. Whilst some people may find these furry creatures cute, they can carry a range of parasites and cause damage to both your home and garden . According to an expert, planting certain flowers in your garden can help to deter rats if they are planning on visiting or nesting in your garden.
Jordan Foster from Fantastic Pest Control said: “There is no doubt rats are smart. They’re good at hiding until it’s too late. “Rats usually get into your garden because it’s an excellent place to hide and a constant food source.
People have known for quite some time that certain plants are effective at deterring rodents.” One plant that is great at scaring rats away is mint, which rats are said to find “very offensive” thanks to its super-strong scent. Mint can be used in cooking and in summer drinks, so it doesn’t go to waste if you decide to plant it in the garden.
The expert added: “The smell of garlic is also repulsive to rats. If they get too close, they’ll think twice.” Jordan recommended squirting garlic water down a rat burrow if you find one, or planting garlic directly into your garden.
It has several sulphur compounds that emit a “pungent” smell that humans find pleasant, but pests don’t. The pest pro continued: “One of our favourite smells, lavender, can have quite the opposite effect on rats. It can keep them from finding food because of its potent smell.
Place it around decks, garden structures, and around the perimeter of your garden where rats might be attracted.” If you don’t have time or space to plant flowers in the garden, essential oils also work great to deter pests. Try peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus oil if you think you have rats visiting.
Simply put a few drops of oil in the area, or soak cotton wool in the area and place it around your garden..
