10 Plants That Naturally Repel Rats

Rats are smart rodents, and they are good hiders. They get into the garden because a garden is a safe place for them to hide. Plus, they also have their food source there.

They also cause a lot of damage and pose environmental and health issues. So, you don’t want to have them around your property. However, you have to use some rat control methods to get rid of these rodents, and one of the most effective and natural ways of doing that is by cultivating plants that repel them.

In this post, I’ll share ten plants that naturally repel rats. So, you can cultivate these plants to control rats and other rodents in your surroundings.

I’ll be sharing 10 plants that will help you to keep rats away from your building.

10 Plants That Naturally Repel Rats

If you want to get rid of rats on your property naturally, this is the post you’ve been looking for. By taking this route, you’ll save yourself from these rodents and potential health problems from them.

That being said, let’s see these plants that naturally repel rats.

1. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are great plants that repel rats and other rodents. Their bloom contains a distinct combination of insecticidal compounds. These insecticidal compounds work against rats.

If you want to keep rats away from your surroundings with plants, the chrysanthemums plant is among the best plant you need for that purpose.

2. Onion

The strong smell of onions can act as a deterrent to rodents. They rarely consume onion, but they may make an exception if the scent is mixed with a meaty dish or masked with other substances.

Cooked onions aren’t harmful to rats as their toxic ingredients are denatured by heat. However, this is one of the plants you need to have if you want to keep rats away from your surroundings.

Note: raw onions on the ground may not be effective repellent if the skin is fully covered. To use it to deter rats, you must cut out the onions and expose their spicy aroma.

3. Christ Plant

Also known as crown-of-thorns, the Christ plant is a rodent-repellent plant and a well-known ornamental plant. It is sturdy, disease resistant, and requires little maintenance.

As a rodent-repellent plant, the Christ plant can be planted in an intact arrangement to act as an impermeable wall to rodents. So, if you notice rats and other rodents entering your garden through holes and gaps in your fence, you can deter them by planting Christ plants in front of the holes and openings.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint has a pleasant smell that rats hate. If you have peppermint plants in your compound, you’ll keep rats and other rodents away from your surroundings.

When intact, peppermint leaves emit a faint minty scent. Peppermint is also among plants that naturally repel rats as it produces Pulegone and Menthone, mostly used in deterring rats.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary leaves have a sturdy fragrance that discourages rats and other rodents from coming close to your garden. This fragrance is strengthened when you cut the leaves and can discourage rats from entering your garden.

However, intact rosemary leaves will still deter rodents if they are situated in the right areas, close to the fence, and along the pathways frequented by these rodents.

This plant is safe for humans and pets. So, if your kids or pets play around the garden, this is a safe plant to cultivate there.

In addition to nurturing this plant in your garden, you can use rosemary oil (oil produced from rosemary plants) to deter rodents from entering your house. Spray the oil around your windows, doors, and other pathways these rodents use.

6. Lavender Flower

Lavender flowers emit a sturdy aromatic scent that is effective for repelling rats. This flower has purple budlike flowers that release the scent. While humans enjoy the fresh scent, rats detest the scent.

7. Daffodils

Daffodils have a sturdy fragrance that rats and other rodents hate. Their bulbs are harmful to rodents and many warm-blooded animals.

8. Camphor Laurel

Camphor laurel is an exceptional plant and one of the strongest plants that naturally repel rats. This rat-repellent tree produces glossy leaves; when crushed, these leaves release a distinct scent of camphor.

Camphor can be extracted from the entire plant; it is an essential incense component.

Interestingly, all camphor laurel contains compounds that can be used as a natural pesticide. However, camphor laurel trees can compete with native plants in the garden. So, it is crucial to set aside some space for this tree.

9. Elderberry

Rats and other rodents always stay away from their shrubs. So, you can plant it in your garden to keep these rodents at bay.

It is important to note that some species of elderberry are dangerous to humans and animals. So, avoid planting it in your garden if your children and pets play around the garden.

Elderberry should be on the list if you are looking for plants that naturally repel rats.

Note: you have to be careful while using this plant to keep rodents from your garden.

10. Garlic

Garlic is among the top plants that naturally repel rodents. If you plant it in your garden, rats will be kept at bay. It contains several compounds with a powerful smell that rats hate.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle garlic powder around your garden to keep rats away.

Conclusion

Rats can be harmful to your property and health. They can damage your property and cause some serious health problems. However, getting rid of these rodents with poison is not the best measure as it might cause more harm. So, you must choose the natural route to keep these animals away from your building.

Interestingly, the best and most effective natural way to keep rats and other rodents away from your property is by cultivating plants that repel them, including rosemary, elderberry, and onion.

This post provides more information on how to use these plants to keep rodents away from your surroundings.