Pest control expert Louie Scarlett from Total Pest Control has revealed that placing onions and garlic around the garden can deter rats, as the smell is one they "can't stand."
Why onions and garlic work
Both onions and garlic contain potent sulphur compounds that produce an exceptionally pungent odour which rats find deeply unpleasant. Given that rats possess a highly acute sense of smell, these sulphur compounds can irritate their sensitive noses and prove completely overwhelming.
Unfamiliar scents can also heighten rats' wariness, making them far more inclined to move on swiftly in the belief that predators or some other threat may be lurking nearby.
Best time to act
August is typically when rats become more noticeable in gardens, making it the ideal time to take action before they develop into an even greater nuisance come autumn. During summer, rodents tend to be far more prevalent, as the warmer temperatures intensify the odour of bins, compost heaps and fallen fruit, making it considerably easier for them to locate food.
It is also the period when young rats begin to strike out on their own, and as temperatures drop, they start seeking out warm spots to shelter, making sheds and even homes increasingly attractive to them. Many homeowners resort to traps or poison at this time of year, yet these methods can cause serious harm to wildlife and inflict unnecessary suffering — particularly when a simpler deterrent exists.
How to use onions and garlic
Simply crush several garlic cloves and finely chop one onion, then place them inside a small breathable container, such as an old sock or a jar with a perforated lid. This allows the pungent aroma to reach any nearby rats while helping to prevent other garden pests from consuming the vegetables. Position the containers near potential entry points, including gates, hedges and fences.
If you have pets, exercise caution with this approach, as both garlic and onions are toxic should they attempt to eat them. It can also be beneficial to combine crushed garlic and chopped onion with water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture around your garden as an alternative.
Growing onions and garlic in your garden can also make it considerably harder for rats to locate food and determine whether it is safe to venture close, encouraging them to seek an easier source of sustenance elsewhere.
Additional tips
Try this solution for a week and, with any luck, the rats will have moved on. Bear in mind, however, that rats will only venture onto your property if they can detect a food source.
Ensure bins are firmly sealed, clear away any fallen fruit and avoid leaving food or bird feed accessible to rats. Maintaining a tidy garden and employing this natural repellent should prevent these troublesome rodents from coming back.
