Rats can be a real nuisance in the garden, but there are natural ways to deter them without using traps or poison. Here are two methods that experts recommend
Rats are not only a nuisance in your garden, but they can also spread harmful diseases and it becomes even more problematic if they invade your home.
While the most common methods to eliminate these pests involve traps or poison, experts suggest trying natural remedies first. Rat poison is toxic and can pose risks to wildlife, pets, and humans alike. High concentrations of rat poison have been detected in wildlife higher up the food chain. Moreover, neither traps nor poisons offer sustainable solutions to keep rats away from your garden.
Both methods simply exterminate them. If you’re looking for a sustainable and natural way to deter rats, prevention is the best strategy The gardening experts at Primrose have revealed two natural rat deterrents that can work wonders.
Essential oils
Rats possess one of the most superior senses of smell among all pests and animals, surpassing even 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 pointed out that a few drops of these oils in their pure form around the areas where you’ve noticed rat activity “should do the trick”. Alternatively, you can soak cotton wool in essential oil and place it in areas frequented by rats.
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Hot pepper
Even more effective than essential oils, experts reveal that rats “can’t stand hot pepper or anything spicy”, and using this can permanently deter these pests.
To create a “homemade natural rat repellent spray” from the spice, begin by blending cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water. Boil the mixture vigorously to infuse the chilli, then let it cool down. The longer the solution sits, the stronger the chilli potency will be, according to the Express.
For those who have used chilli flakes, sieve them out after. Add in a small quantity of biodegradable castile soap and shift the mix into a spray bottle. Finally, apply the spray generously to areas showing rat activity.
