The last thing you want when you have transformed your garden into an oasis is the arrival of unwanted guests.
Rats are not only considered pests, but are also nightmarish pests for gardeners trying to maintain an outdoor space, especially during the colder months of the year.
The little creatures can wreak havoc in gardens by digging up plants and destroying roots to bury food, while bird feeders provide an easy meal and further encourage rats to nest and breed.
If they build a nest on your property, they can multiply quickly, with rat feces and urine also contaminating your soil and potentially spreading disease.
However, an animal expert has revealed an effective yet natural way to get rid of rodents from gardens.
To most people, especially avid gardeners, rats are considered not only pests, but nightmarish pests when maintaining an outdoor space.
Sam Bryant, from Glenlivet wildlifesuggests using certain plants and flowers to deter rats, as some scents we humans enjoy can be off-putting to rodents.
One specific smell that offends rats is the smell of mint, and planting it around the perimeter of the garden can be a good idea to keep them out.
Sam told The Express: ‘PPlace mint around the perimeter of the garden or near vulnerable plants to repel rats with its strong scent.
‘The strong aroma of mint can mask the scents of other plants, making them less attractive to rats.’
However, mint can spread quickly once it is planted in the ground, so it is important to check on it regularly to ensure it does not overgrow and overtake other plants.
One of the better solutions is to plant mint in pots to control its growth and place it close to home, for example on a kitchen windowsill, where it can receive plenty of sunlight and warmth.
As spring approaches, the season is known to welcome the blooming of certain flower species, including daffodils – which happen to be an excellent rodent deterrent.
Rats don’t like the strong smell of daffodils, but the plant also contains alkaloids that are poisonous to the creatures.
One specific smell that offends rats is the smell of mint, and planting it around the perimeter of the garden can be a good idea to keep them out.
As spring approaches, the season is known to welcome the blooming of certain flower species, including daffodils – which happen to be an excellent rodent deterrent
Another natural method that can be used to banish rats from gardens is to plant marigolds next to crops, as they emit an odor that rats find particularly unpleasant.
Sam explained: ‘Rats are known to dislike the taste and smell of daffodils. Strategically planting these bulbs can help deter them.’
Ideally, you should plant the daffodils in a border around the garden or between vulnerable plants to deter them.
Another natural method that can be used to banish rats from gardens is to plant marigolds next to crops, as they emit an odor that rats find particularly unpleasant.
The expert revealed that the plants give off an odor that is unpleasant to rats and recommended planting them next to vegetables or flowers to give an ‘extra layer of protection’.
Meanwhile, another gardening expert has come up with a trick to stop snails from destroying plants in gardens – and it only costs pennies.