Rats never enter your garden again when you use natural item they 'can't stand'

Rats are not just a nuisance in the ; they're also carriers of dangerous diseases, and if they get into your home, the situation can quickly worsen. While many people resort to traps or poison to deal with these , experts are now advising natural methods as the first line of defence.

The use of rat poison is fraught with risks, including potential harm to other wildlife, pets and even humans, especially since high levels of rat poison have been found in predators further up the food chain. Moreover, neither traps nor poisons provide a long-term solution to prevent rats from returning to your garden; they only take care of the current population.

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For those seeking a more sustainable, natural approach to rat deterrence, prevention is the best strategy. Experts from the retailer Primrose have revealed two natural rat repellents that can work wonders, including one that rats absolutely "can't stand".

Essential oils

Essential oils are highly effective because rats have an incredibly keen sense of smell, even better than , reports .

The specialists said: "When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders in deterring rats from your garden due to their potency." They recommend peppermint oil, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form as "smells that rats will dislike".

To keep rats at bay, the experts advise placing a few drops of these potent oils in areas where rats are known to frequent "should do the trick".

Alternatively, you can use cotton wool soaked in essential oil and place it in rat-prone areas.

Hot pepper

The experts claim that even more effective than essential oils, rats "can't stand hot pepper or anything spicy", making it a brilliant deterrent against these pests.

To make a "homemade natural rat repellent spray" using this spice, start by mixing cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water.

Heat the mixture vigorously to infuse the chilli, then let it cool. The longer the solution is left, the stronger the chilli will become.

If you've used chilli flakes, strain them out. Add a bit of eco-friendly castile soap and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Finish by liberally applying the spray to areas where there are signs of rat activity.