Rat infestations spike across the UK during summer months, but three natural herbs—basil, lemongrass, and thyme—serve as effective repellents against these disease-laden rodents, according to experts.
Peak Breeding Season for Rats
The peak breeding period for rats is now in full swing, with these unwanted rodents becoming more prevalent during the summer months, particularly in the UK, where the climate provides perfect conditions for these pests to thrive and readily locate food and accommodation. Kitchens, gardens, garages, barns, rooftops and cellars represent just some of the spaces these disease-carrying vermin favour infiltrating in properties, frequently causing substantial damage and creating chaos in their path.
While rats are uninvited pests in any property or garden, fortunately there are several effective approaches to discourage them naturally without resorting to cruel and inhumane tactics such as instant kill traps or poison baits.
Exploiting Rats' Keen Sense of Smell
Rats are recognised for having limited vision, yet they possess an extraordinarily keen and well-developed sense of smell. This equally means their noses are particularly sensitive, and it's this physical characteristic that can be exploited to repel these creatures from properties. While professional pest control services are always recommended in cases of severe infestations, there are particular scents that significantly irritate a rat's respiratory system, ultimately leading to deterring these pests from entering homes, reports the Express.
Three Herbs That Repel Rats
Basil
Utilising the herbal fragrance of basil oil via a spray bottle or diffuser is a clever and humane approach to driving rats out of your home, as the scent of basil is particularly offensive to these creatures. Positioning basil plants near doorways, possible entry points, and locations where rat activity is suspected will further assist in keeping these unwanted pests at bay.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another herb renowned for repelling rats, and is frequently regarded as an outstanding natural deterrent against them. Simply steep lemongrass — whether bought separately or harvested from your garden — in hot water to produce a tea. This powerful solution can then be decanted into a spray bottle and applied throughout your home to ward off rats. An alternative method of using this herb to discourage rats is by placing potent lemongrass or citronella essential oils into a diffuser, allowing the strong scent to permeate your home. Bear in mind that burning a lemongrass or citronella candle in a single small area of your home will not prove adequate to fully deter rats.
Thyme
Various cultivated varieties of thyme can prove effective in the battle against rats. These cultivars release sharp, powerful scents that will promptly repel rats when positioned in the appropriate spots around your home. Thyme oil in a scent diffuser, or diluted in a spray bottle, are also widely recommended methods for deterring rats inside the home. A further natural deterrent is to plant common thyme (thymus vulgaris) or golden lemon thyme (thymus x citriodorus 'aureus') in your garden to keep rats at bay. Peppermint and citrus fragrances are equally despised by rats and prove remarkably effective, as does the scent of cayenne pepper and chilli flakes.
