Rats are notorious breeders, having up to 12 babies every couple of months, which is how an infestation can quickly escalate.
While rat traps may seem barbaric to some people, and poison can leave dead, upturned rats lying across your lawn, a more humane measure is to tend to your garden.
Mr Sam Bryant, based at Glenlivet Wildlife, encouraged the use of “rat-repellent plants” to serve as a “natural deterrent”.
Mr Bryant explained: “Incorporating rat-repellent plants into the garden can serve as a natural deterrent. These plants possess odours or tastes that rats find unpleasant.”
Rats will stay away from mint, for example, which has a pleasant smell to humans, but not so much to rodents.
Mr Bryant recommended planting mint “around the perimeter of the garden” or neat vulnerable plants.
The strong scent of mint “can mask the scents of other plants, making them less attractive to rats”.
Another consideration is beautiful marigolds, which also emit an odor that rats simply find repulsive.
Mr Bryant said: “Marigolds emit an odour that rats find unpleasant. Planting them alongside vegetables or flowers can provide an added layer of protection.”
Another plant to add to the garden, which will be a timely addition come spring time, is daffodils.
Not only do daffodils emit a smell that is off-putting for rats, but the plant contains alkaloids, which are poisonous to rats, which causes them to naturally stay away.
Mr Bryant added: “Strategically planting these bulbs can help deter [rats]. Daffodils can be planted around the garden perimeter or interspersed among vulnerable plants to create a deterrent effect.”
