Rodents are more likely to invade gardens during the winter months as they prepare for the cold weather by feeding on plants and digging up flowerbeds to create shelters. It is essential to eliminate rats or mice as soon as they are spotted, as they breed rapidly and carry diseases that can contaminate garden soil.
While many gardeners use poison to kill rodents, it is strongly advised not to do so without consulting a pest control professional, as it can harm local wildlife, neighbourhood cats, or even beloved pets. Instead, James Neal, an expert from Neal Landscapes, suggests using a natural method to keep rats at bay – growing specialised plants around your property.
James said: “Instead of using pesticides and potentially damaging products, why not consider incorporating some of these rodent and insect-repellent plants?”
Plants like the Mole Plant, also known as caper spurge, are among the best to have in your garden to deter rats as they produce strong-smelling chemicals that rats cannot tolerate. Rats have incredibly sensitive noses, and any plants with a strong scent can easily overwhelm them and make it difficult for them to stay in an area as the plant will mask the scent of food.
READ MORE: The ‘gorgeous’ £50 Next trainers one fan said were the ‘most comfortable ever’
This plant also produces sap that will greatly irritate rats if they touch it, discouraging them from not only chewing on this plant but also anything else growing in your garden. James explained the benefits of using mole plants in gardens, highlighting their effectiveness not only against moles but also mice and rats: “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 emphasised, “Containing the ingredient, castor oil – a well-known mole repellent – makes this plant top of the list if these pesky creatures are visiting your garden.”
Sage is touted as a potent rat deterrent, primarily due to its strong scent pleasant to humans but offensive to rats, as reported by the Express. The aromatic herb comes with an additional benefit, James suggested: “Much like basil and lavender, sage has a strong aroma which, while pleasant for humans, is overwhelming for rodents and bugs. Most gardeners opt for placing sage around the plants that are being targeted, creating an effective yet hugely affordable barrier.”
The gardening expert also mentioned that sage’s versatility allows it to grow in any soil type, provided there’s adequate sunlight: “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.”
He went on to recommend a mix of herbs for the garden, including peppermint, lavender, and rosemary, which all contribute to deterring rats with their powerful aromas.
Rats are known to frequent gardens in the autumn, lured by ripe vegetables ready for harvest. This is why planting oregano near your crops can be a game-changer.
The strong scent of oregano is repugnant to rats, and its spicy taste discourages them from nibbling on nearby plants. Rats often associate bitter flavours with poison, so they’ll likely avoid a garden filled with oregano, considering it dangerous and devoid of food.
Not only does oregano serve as a natural rodent repellent, but it also has antifungal properties that protect soil from common plant diseases. Gardening expert James advised: “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.”
He added: “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.”