Four 'natural' ways to keep rats out of your garden instead of using poison or traps

Gardening experts have revealed how to tell if there are rats in your garden and how you can deter them naturally instead of using poison or traps.

As rats are nocturnal, you are unlikely to see them in the day. Experts at international retailer Primrose say that if a rat has taken shelter in your garden, there are three particular tell-tale signs.

The first are runs and tunnels against garden walls and fences, the second being rat droppings and the third gnawed wood. The most common way to get rid of rats is the use of rat poison and traps.

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However, rat poison is toxic and may pose a danger to wildlife, pets and humans. Additionally, neither traps nor poisons are sustainable ways to deter rats from gardens, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

The Primrose experts explained: "Both merely get rid of them. If you want an effective, sustainable and natural way to deter rats, prevention is the best answer to deter rats naturally."

Rats are attracted to gardens as they contain bountiful food sources. Luckily, there are a number of steps gardeners can take to ensure their garden doesn’t become, or stops being, so attractive to rats. Compost bins are a treasure trove to rats so ensure your compost bin is secure and move it away from possible routes of access, such as fences and walls.

For people who love feeding birds, there’s a good chance rats may be getting into bird seeds and nuts. The gardening pros recommended purchasing a squirrel-proof bird feeder, as this “will block off rats”, and using no-mess seed mix will ensure there is no discarded food left on the floor that may attract rats.

Gardeners should also ensure they collect fallen fruit from any fruit trees soon after it falls, otherwise, rats may start to feast on the harvest. After collecting them, store them somewhere secure where rats will not be able to access them.

Rats make homes under existing structures, such as garden buildings and decking. To prevent this, it is advised to block entry to areas beneath these - no matter how narrow the space.

However, before doing this, ensure there are no rats living underneath the structure that is being blocked off, as “they will die an unpleasant death”, warned the experts. Households should also have a general clear-up in their garden, getting rid of any debris and cutting back overgrown vegetation. This will provide rats with less cover.

Even keeping the grass short will help. Take this chance to rearrange your garden. The experts said: “Rats are neophobic, and this disruption of their territory will confuse them and encourage them to make a home elsewhere.”

Rats have one of the best senses of smell in the animal kingdom, even better than dogs, according to the experts. They said: "When used in concentration, essential oils can do wonders in deterring rats from your garden due to their potency."

"Peppermint oil, citronella and eucalyptus essential oils in their pure form are all smells that rats will dislike. A few drops of these oils in their pure form around the areas you know the rats have been should do the trick."

Alternatively, soak cotton wool in essential oil and place in rat traffic areas. Just like essential oils, the experts said: "Rats’ high sense of smell means they can’t stand hot pepper or anything very spicy like it."

To make homemade natural rat repellent spray, start by mixing cayenne pepper or chilli flakes with water. Heat the mixture vigorously to infuse the chilli, then allow to cool. The longer the solution is left, the more potent the chilli will be.

For those who have used chilli flakes, sieve them out. Add a little castile soap (which is biodegradable) and pour it into a spray bottle. Finish by applying the spray liberally to areas where there is evidence of rats.