Rats will 'never go near' your garden if you grow 3 plants pest control experts recommend

Surprisingly, there are specific plants, known for their fragrant properties, that keep rats away from gardens. While these favourite plants and herbs will smell fresh for use, they are actually offensive to rodents. This is because they have a very strong sense of smell, much stronger than what humans have.

What's more, these natural repellents are non-toxic, inexpensive and safe to use (unlike some traps), which is ideal for use around children or pets. Specialists at 24/7 Pest Control have shared the three top plants to scare these pests off. They said: "Rats may eat your fruits and vegetables; however, there are a few that they will never go near. You can plant more of the following vegetables, herbs and spices, and plants to deter rats from your garden."

1. Fragrant flowers

Flowers that you can plant as a guard against rats are lavender, daffodils, and marigolds. Their scents, while enjoyable to us, are "repugnant to rats, and they stay away from them".

Try growing lavender in your backyard, or you could sprinkle a few stalks around the base of existing plants.

Daffodil bulbs can be planted around outdoor plants that attract rodents, or placed the fragrant flowers around the home.

Not only does the scent of marigolds deter rats, but they can act as a visual deterrent as well. Rats are very cautious creatures, and vibrant colours can keep them away from gardens.

2. Garlic

Garlic has several sulphur compounds that "emit a pungent smell that deters rodents". The pros said: "Planting garlic in a few places in your garden will keep them at bay. It will also keep fleas and ticks away."

If you don't have the time to grow garlic, you can make an easy garlic repellent. Simply take four or five cloves to make a puree, and add that to a pint of water in a spray bottle. Then, spray your solution around any areas where rats are commonly spotted.

3. Spices and herbs

Black pepper, cayenne, sage and oregano are also known to repel rodents. Planting or sprinkling them around the edges of your garden can be an "effective way to keep rats away".

Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that stimulates the pain receptors of rats, causing them to sneeze, cough, and scurry away.

Cayenne pepper is a very powerful spice that can cause a burning sensation when ingested.

Sage and oregano, with their strong scent, are favoured for planting near vegetables as rats detest their potent fragrance and flavour, deterring them from nibbling on nearby plants.