Woman's eco-friendly and 'easy' ways to banish rats from your garden
Share:
Rats might be adorable to some, but they can still give you a fright if you spot one darting about. They're notorious for being a nuisance to gardeners everywhere. These pesky rodents not only munch on crops but are known for stashing food underground and creating burrow nests. This means they can uproot plants and ruin their root system while turning your garden into their abode.
Moreover, rat droppings and urine can pollute your soil and potentially spread disease, posing a health risk to anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated soil or plants grown in it. While rats can be irritating, they are part of the local ecosystem and using harsh chemicals to deter them is not only cruel but can harm your local wildlife.
However, gardening expert Ellen Christine, who promotes eco-friendly lifestyles, has shared some simple ways to discourage rats from your garden and prevent them from damaging your plants, reports the Express. On her blog Confessions of an Overworked Mom, Ellen revealed she had a few DIY methods for getting rid of rats which she found "really work.".
Plant peppermint. Rats have highly sensitive noses and will avoid places they find have repugnant smells, and are known to be put off by strong-smelling herbs and flowers. Ellen penned: "Mint is a natural rodent repellent. They do not like the way it smells and will avoid it. Be sure to plant mint around the borders of your garden or the area that rodents are most attracted to." However, she cautioned that mint is an "aggressive" fast-growing plant that needs monitoring if you decide to plant it. She added: "[It] will have to be kept in check or it will take over your garden.".
