How to deter rats: Four ‘effective’ and ‘natural’ ways to stop rats invading your garden
Staff, 2022-08-23 01:59:00,
Rats are usually unwelcome visitors in gardens – they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases, including Leptospirosis, which can lead to Weil’s disease. They can set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps. Rats are mostly nocturnal so gardeners may not see them, but there are other tell-tale signs to look out for. There may be tunnels, tracks alongside walls, fences or buildings that are up to 10cm wide. Gardeners might also notice their cylindrical droppings, gnawed wood, or parallel teeth marks in crops. But how can gardeners say goodbye to these pests for good?
While the most common way to get rid of rats from gardens is the use of rat poison and traps, they are toxic and may pose danger to wildlife, pets and humans.
Instead gardening experts at Primrose have shared four natural, yet “effective” ways to get rid of rats in gardens for good.
Essential oils
Rats have “one of the best senses of smell in the animal kingdom”, trumping that of dogs, according to the experts.
They explained: “When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders to effectively deter rats from your garden due to their potency.
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The gardening pros noted: “Similarly to essential oils, rats’ high sense of smells 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.
After, add a little castile soap and pour into a spray bottle. The solution can then be applied liberally to areas where there is evidence of rats.
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Block off potential shelter
Rats make home under existing structures, such as garden buildings and decking.
To prevent this, block entry to areas beneath these – no matter how narrow the space.
The experts cautioned: “Before you do this, ensure there are no rats living underneath the structure you are blocking off, as they will die an unpleasant death.
“Have a general clear up in your garden, getting rid of any debris…
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