Gardeners can deter rats and mice with a homemade spray that costs under £3, using ingredients such as ground black pepper, cayenne pepper and chilli flakes. The mixture is simmered with water and infused with essential oils to create a scent that rats avoid.
Rat activity peaks in autumn
Rat activity in the UK is at its peak between September and November, as the breeding season ends and rodents seek food and shelter from the autumn chill. Gardens are prime locations for these animals to find both food and shelter, and wildlife-friendly gardens are especially attractive to them.
Signs of a rat problem include bird food being eaten at night, "runs"—grooves of bare soil up to 10cm wide leading from covered areas to bird tables—and tunnels measuring 6 to 9cm in diameter. Small piles of smooth cylindrical droppings, usually 5mm wide and 15mm long, also indicate rats are present.
Homemade spray recipe
Store-bought rat repellent sprays can cost £10 to £15 or more per bottle, and may involve harsh chemicals. Instead, experts at Ark Wildlife suggest making a DIY spray for under £3. The ingredients—55g of ground black pepper at 87p from Sainsbury's, and 40g of cayenne chilli pepper and 28g of chilli flakes at £1 each from Asda—bring the total to approximately £2.87.
Ark Wildlife advises: "Try mixing ground black pepper, cayenne pepper and chilli flakes with water, and simmer on a stove for 15-minutes to infuse the spices into the water. You'll smell when it's ready." They add: "Allow it to cool and then add several drops of essential oils such as peppermint, citronella and/or eucalyptus. Allow all the ingredients to steep in an airtight container and then spray freely on any areas you believe rats are visiting. Birds and hedgehogs will not be harmed, while rats will detest and avoid the smell."
Other natural deterrents
Caution is advised when spraying the chilli-infused mixture around homes with children and pets, as it can cause irritation. Other natural remedies include sprinkling chilli or pepper around rat runs or nesting holes, planting strong-scented plants like mint, onion and garlic, and placing cotton wool balls doused in essential oils, bleach or vinegar into their holes.
Rats have a keen sense of smell due to poor eyesight, making scent-based repellents effective. Preventing access to food sources such as bird seed, eggs, nuts, fruit, meat, pet food and household waste is also important to avoid attracting these pests.
