Expert reveals 12p trick to keep rats out of your garden – they absolutely despise the smell
AN expert has revealed a 12p hack for keeping rats out of your garden.
Rats can pose a great nuisance if they sneak into your garden, and even run the risk of spreading diseases.
It may be tempting to reach for rat poison to banish the critters, but this is toxic, and can cause harm to other animals, such as beloved pets.
Robert Collins, an expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk shared some natural tips that will banish rats from the garden for a fraction of the price of onions.
Onions
Robert revealed that rats hate the smell of onions .
Therefore, if you cut a few up into slices and spread them around your garden, especially near visible entry points, the rats will be kept at bay.
Read more gardening stories
You can pick up an onion from Tesco for just 12p.
Essential Oils
Rats also hate the smell of peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus.
A simple trick to get rid of them is to put essential oils in any of the above scents into a spray bottle and spray it around the garden.
"The strong smell of these oils can easily dissuade rats", Robert told The Express.
You can pick up eucalyptus essential oil for £4.85 from Sainsburys.
Steel Wool
Using steel wool is a simple way to block access points to your garden.
Robert said: "If there are any visible access points where you know the rats are entering and exiting from, stuff some steel wool into these gaps.
“Steel wool is a great barrier as it’s difficult for rats to nibble at steel wool.
"They will eventually give up when they find they can’t get through it.”
The expert added that you can then put caulk or spray foam around the steel wool, to make sure it stays in place.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
If rats are entering your home through the chimney, you can install a chimney grate to block their entry.
"This is a job best left to professionals as it can be difficult and dangerous to work on the chimney", Robert said.
He added that you should also seal any vents in your house with mouse mesh to prevent access.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
However, the expert warned people to always use metals when sealing gaps as rats can chew through most materials.
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.