Experts have shared their top tips for keeping rats out of your garden, revealing how certain plants and essential oils will help deter the pests14:55, 03 Jul 2026A gardening expert has shared his top tips for keeping gardens rat-free, as Ash Read from Indoor Plants discusses the distress these rodents can cause. Read explained his frustration: "rats in a garden can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare".‌But he's offered reassurance to troubled gardeners, saying "While you and I enjoy a whiff of lavender or the sweet scent of a rosemary bush, rats not so much."‌His knowledge indicates that "rosemary's presence in the garden can often make rats think twice before settling". He also praised marigolds for their pest-repelling properties: "Marigolds, with their unique smell, also act as a rodent repellent."‌Peppermint serves as another effective rat deterrent, with Read noting "Meanwhile, peppermint isn't just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction."The horticulture specialist offered a useful household trick for making an effective peppermint spray: just combine a few drops of essential oil with water. Read suggests regularly applying this homemade solution around entry points and cherished plants to keep the pests away.The plant enthusiast also advises expanding your rodent-fighting toolkit with other essential oils such as lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.‌He adds that certain flowering plants can also discourage rats, observing: "The same goes for chrysanthemums but my favourite is lavender, it's a love-hate relationship, we love it and rats hate it."In his closing remarks, Read stresses the vital role of tidiness, stating: "Rats also thrive in messy, overgrown places. So, make sure to maintain a neat garden. Short grass, minimal overgrowth and organised garden tools are your allies."‌Highlighting the significance of keeping things tidy, he said: "It's like keeping your room tidy, fewer places to hide means fewer unwanted guests. Occasionally give your garden a little shuffle too."He wrapped up his advice with a smart suggestion, urging vigilance and adding: "By moving things around, you're playing a fun game of break the rat routine. Block access to decking and garden structures too."Carlos Garcia, whose parents founded Total Clean, shared insight on using particular plants to repel rats. He suggested: "Some plants such as mint, lavender, rosemary, marigold, daffodils, fennel, garlic and onions are less attractive to rats due to their scent and taste."Article continues belowGarcia also urged gardeners to "regularly monitor the garden for any signs of rat activity and address these issues promptly to prevent an infestation".Searching for a clever trick to stop rodents dead?Positioning garlic cloves near entry points does the job brilliantly, but don't forget to swap them out regularly, particularly following rainfall.