Get rid of rats from your garden 'forever' with expert's cheap natural solution

Rats, the typical unwelcome guests in gardens, are often seen as pests because they can spread serious diseases. These critters usually set up shop under decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and even in compost heaps.

Since they're mostly active at night, you might not catch them red-handed, but there are tell-tale signs like tunnels or tracks near walls, fences, or buildings that can be up to 10cm wide . You might also spot cylindrical droppings, gnawed wood, or parallel teeth marks on your veggies. Wondering how to give these pests the boot for good?

The go-to solution for getting rid of garden rats usually involves rat poison and traps, but these can be dangerous for other animals, pets, and people too. Instead, gardening gurus at Primrose have dished out three natural and "effective" ways to clear your garden of rats for good .

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Essential oils

Turns out, rats have a cracking sense of smell, even better than dogs, say the experts.

They've said: "When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders to effectively deter 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."

Just a few drops of these potent oils around the spots where you've noticed rat activity should help send them packing.

Alternatively, soak cotton wool in essential oil and place it in areas where rats frequently pass.

Hot pepper solution

Rats are repelled by spicy seasonings such as hot pepper. The gardening experts noted: "Similarly to essential oils, rats' high sense of smell means they can't stand hot pepper or anything very spicy so it will deter them forever."

"You can make your own homemade natural rat repellent spray with cayenne pepper or chilli flakes."

To make this repellent spray, mix cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water and heat the mixture vigorously to infuse the chilli.

Then allow it to cool - the longer you leave it, the more potent the chilli will be. If gardeners have used chilli flakes, sieve them out.

Afterwards, add a little castile soap and pour it into a spray bottle. The solution can then be applied liberally to areas where there is evidence of rats.

Eliminate food sources

Gardens often attract rats due to the abundance of food sources they provide. There are several measures you can take to ensure your garden doesn't become a haven for rats.

The specialists advised: "Compost bins are a treasure trove to rats. Ensure your compost bin is secure and move it away from possible routes of access, such as fences and walls."

If you enjoy feeding the birds in your garden, there's a high chance that rats may be getting into your bird seeds and nuts.

The experts advised: "A squirrel-proof bird feeder will block off rats, and using no-mess seed mix will ensure there is no discarded food left on the ground that may attract rats."

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Additionally, it's crucial for those with green thumbs to swiftly gather any fruit that falls from their trees to prevent rats from feasting on the bounty.

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