THERE are loads of ways you can try and get rid of pesky rats from your garden, but some of them might leave a big dent in your wallet.
Luckily, one gardening whizz has found a cheap and cheerful way to keep them away for good – in fact, it’ll only cost you a quid.
Rats can be a real nuisance for homeowners and often leave a trail of droppings and can eat plants.
And if you have one ran, chances are there are many more.
The rodents have a three-week gestation period and can give birth to around 14 babies per little.
All those rats can quickly add up, leaving you with a pretty sizable problem on your hands.
That’s why on gardener, called Sarah, took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page to ask for help.
“I would like to plant some plants at the back of my shed and along my fence that I hope will deter the rat run that has clearly developed,” she wrote.
“Can anyone advise on plants that deter rats?
“Part sun part shade. Our garden is really small so ignoring them isn’t an option as the kids go out and disturb them in the evening. In our last much bigger garden I just left them be.”
After some advice from other gardening fans, Sarah decided to buy a mint plant to help keep the pests at bay.
“My garden now smells of peppermint. I’ll update you on whether it makes a difference. Possibly wishful thinking but it’s an easy thing to try,” she said.
And sure enough, the mint plants worked wonders for Sarah who updated her post to let others know of the hack.
She said: “The mint plants are working! I spotted some rats but as they got near the plants they couldn’t run away fast enough.”
According to experts, mint is a natural deterrent for most rodents and will stop them making a home in your outdoor space.
This is because the strong scent will overwhelm their senses and force them to leave the area.
In fact, The Express says that adding a few mint plants along the perimeter of your garden and in your greenhouse should be enough to stop them invading your space.
You can pick up mint plants from most garden centres, with some supermarket like Ocado selling the herb for just £1.60.
It isn’t the only herb we’d recommend to use, as strong scented plants like garlic, basil and thyme are also often used as a deterrent.
By adding these to potent plants to your garden, it should deter any mice or rats from heading in.
However, there several alternative methods for those that are less green fingered.
This includes scattering the leaves along your fence for a quick fix, ensuring to top up your garden every couple of days to keep the pests away.
With a pack of fresh mint costing just 52p from Sainsbury’s, this is an easy and low cost way to get rid of the critters.
All of this methods are a steal, especially as humane rat traps can cost as much as £18.95 per trap from DIY stores like B&Q.
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
