Rats tend to be a big problem in the summer as the warmer weather makes it more comfortable for them to search for food, which can cause them to burrow in lawns or dig up flowerbeds. 

It is incredibly important to try and prevent a rat infestation as not only do these pests destroy plants but their dripping carry diseases such as salmonella which can contaminate your soil. 

Poison baits should not be used to keep rats away as they are not only cruel but also a huge safety hazard as they can affect local wildlife or neighbourhood cats. Plus, they are often ineffective as local rat populations can become resistant over time.   

However, Menhaz Uddin, a gardening expert from Flower Fable has shared you can create a barrier around your garden using certain flowers or herbs which rats are naturally repelled by, 

Menhaz said: “Rats primarily seek food and shelter when venturing into new territories. Plants, in this ecosystem, play a significant role in influencing where they decide to set up shop.

“The power of plants goes beyond aesthetics and air purification. They can be silent defenders against pests like rats, turning your garden into a fortress without chemical interventions.” 

Plants that will naturally keep rats away from your garden 

5. Catnip 

Catnip is famously known for being beloved by cats, which is one way to keep rats out of your garden, but the plant itself contains substances that rats have a natural aversion to. 

Menhaz said: “Nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, is the magic ingredient. While it sends cats into a state of euphoria, it acts as a deterrent for rats.” 

Nepetalactone will greatly irritate a rat and will avoid exploring an area with this herb as it can cause them discomfort, so it is best to plant catnip near plants you are worried may be destroyed by rodents. 

 

4. Marigold

Marigolds are beautiful flowers which can brighten up a summer garden, but rats will go out of their way to avoid their strong fragrance as they have sensitive noses. 

Menhaz said: “These flowers release a scent that, while mild to humans, is abrasive to rats.”

These pretty plants are also known to produce chemical compounds that naturally deter many insects as well such as mosquitos, aphids, and whiteflies, so are best planted near crops or beloved flowers to keep many summer pests away.

3. Elderberry 

Rats will instinctually avoid elderberries as their berries are toxic to them and can be fatal in high enough concentrations, while also have a very fragrant smell that rodents will hate. 

Menhaz said: “Elderberry plants release a subtle aroma that is off-putting to rats. Plus, the texture of elder leaves is not to their liking.

However, elderberries are poisonous to rats but also to cats and dogs so you should not plant it if you have pets or live in a urban area with neighbourhood cats or foxes nearby. 

2. Lavender 

Lavender is a popular summer herb due to its highly fragrant scent which rats cannot stand, but it also contains linalool and linalyl which is known to irritate rats. 

Menhaz said: “The fragrant oils in lavender plants are overwhelming to rats. These creatures prefer environments where their sense of smell is unobstructed.” 

The compounds in lavender interfere with the pheromones rats use to communicate which makes it an incredibly effective repellent, and is best planted near the barriers of your garden for the best protection. 

1. Mint 

Mint is believed to be the best plant that keeps rats away due to its high district and potent smell while being extremely irritating to rodents. 

Menhaz said: “Among the various species, peppermint and spearmint are the most potent rat repellents. Their strong aroma disrupts rats’ keen olfactory senses, discouraging them from lingering.” 

It is best to plant mint near compost bin, kitchen windows or anywhere rats may look for food as it is one of the most effective natural ways to keep rats away.