Rats have highly sensitive noses, and three common plants can serve as natural deterrents to drive rodents away from your garden. Garlic, onions, and lavender are among the scents that rats find overwhelming, prompting them to leave the area.
Garlic as a natural rat repellent
For those who grow their own produce, rats may be drawn to it, but planting garlic amongst crops could send them packing. The robust aroma of garlic is "incredibly abrasive to rats," according to pest control specialists at Critter Control.
If growing garlic is not an option, simply dotting a few bulbs around flower beds should be sufficient to do the job.
Onions to drive rats far from your property
Much like garlic, "rats despise the smell" of onions. Onions are also easy to cultivate, keeping your kitchen well stocked. Even without growing them, placing a few slices of fresh onion outdoors around your property can help "drive rats far from your property."
Lavender's potent aroma deters rats
Lavender is a decorative, aromatic purple herb whose appeal extends beyond its visual charm. Planting lavender around your property can deter rats, as it is "one of the many scents that the nuisance rodents can't stand," and rats will "stay far away."
The potent aroma of lavender prevents rats from detecting potential food sources in the garden, rendering the area of zero interest to them.
