10 Plants That Repel Rats

If you have ever experienced a rat infestation, you know how challenging it can be to eliminate these pesky rodents.

While there are various methods for controlling the population of rats, using plants that repel rats is a natural and effective solution.

These plants deter rats and provide a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemicals and pesticides.

In this article, we will explore ten different types of plants that have been proven to naturally repel rats and keep them away from your home or garden.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb known for its minty aroma and refreshing taste.

However, did you know that peppermint is also a plant that repels rats? Rats cannot stand peppermint’s scent, making it an effective natural rat deterrent.

To use peppermint as a rat repellent, crush some fresh peppermint leaves and place them where rats likely roam.

You can also use peppermint essential oil by mixing a few drops with water and spraying it around your home or garden.

Peppermint is also easy to grow, making it a convenient solution for keeping rats away. 

Whether you plant it in a pot or garden, peppermint can help keep your home and garden free from rats.

In addition to being effective in repelling rats, peppermint has many other benefits, including soothing headaches and indigestion, freshening breath, and improving focus.

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder peppermint is one of the most popular plants for repelling rats.

2. Lavender

Lavender is known not only for its relaxing scent but also for its ability to repel rats.

The scent of lavender can help to deter rats as they find it unpleasant and overwhelming. 

This beautiful purple flowering plant can also be used as a natural pest control method for other pests, such as moths and mosquitoes. 

Planting lavender around the house can help to keep rats away from your home, garden, and yard.

Lavender not only keeps them away but also adds to your garden’s aesthetic. It prefers well-draining soil with total sun exposure.

It is also drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance once established.

To use lavender as a rat repellent, you can place small sachets filled with dried lavender flowers around your home or garden.

The scent will help to repel rats without causing any harm to them or the environment. 

Lavender can also be used as a natural insecticide. The oil from the plant can be extracted and mixed with water to create a spray that can be used on plants to deter pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.

3 . Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fragrant plant with a distinct scent that is pleasant for humans but repels rodents like rats.

The essential oil from eucalyptus can be used in various ways to keep rats at bay. You can use eucalyptus leaves in sachets and place them in areas where rats are likely to frequent.

Alternatively, you can use eucalyptus essential oil in a diffuser or sprayer to deter rats.

Eucalyptus is easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to repel rats naturally.

It requires well-drained soil and regular watering, but it can grow in various conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

If you want to use eucalyptus as a rat deterrent, using the correct type of eucalyptus is essential. 

The species of eucalyptus that are most effective at repelling rats include:

• The blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus).
• The lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora).
• The Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus).

In addition to repelling rats, eucalyptus has many other benefits. 

It can help relieve stress, ease respiratory problems, and even repel insects like mosquitoes.

So, eucalyptus is an excellent choice if you want a plant that keeps your garden rat-free and has other health benefits.

4. Catnip

Catnip is known for its effects on cats, but did you know it can also repel rats? This herb has a strong odor that rats find offensive and can keep them away from your garden or home.

Planting catnip around your property can not only provide a fun treat for your feline friends, but it can also act as a natural rat repellent.

However, be aware that catnip may attract other animals, such as squirrels and rabbits, so be sure to plant it strategically.

Additionally, if you have cats, be mindful of producing too much catnip, as it can cause them to become overly active. 

Plants that repel rats Use catnip in moderation and in targeted areas to reap its rat-repelling benefits much catnip as it can cause them to become excessively vigorous.

Use catnip in moderation and in targeted areas to reap its rat-repelling benefits.

5. Sage

Sage is not just a flavorful herb that adds a beautiful taste to your meals. It is also a natural rat repellent that is perfect for your garden.

Sage’s pungent aroma is unpleasant to rats, making it an excellent plant to grow around the perimeter of your property. 

This herb is also easy to care for and a great addition to your garden. To use a sage plant to repel rats, plant it in your garden or near the entrance of your home.

You can crush sage leaves and sprinkle them around your garden to enhance their aroma. 

Sage is an effective natural rat repellent and has many other health benefits. It improves brain function, supports oral health, and reduces inflammation.

In addition to repelling rats, sage attracts beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help keep your garden healthy and thriving. 

Sage plants are low maintenance and grow well in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade.

Sage is worth growing if you want a beautiful and practical plant in your garden that keeps rats away and has other health benefits.

6 . Marigold

Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they are also effective at repelling rats. These plants release a strong aroma that rats dislike, making them a natural deterrent.

Additionally, marigolds have been known to repel other pests, such as mosquitoes and aphids, making them a great addition to any garden.

Marigolds are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

It’s best to plant them in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. You can find marigold seeds at your local nursery or garden center.

Marigolds can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. If growing in the background, space them about 8-10 inches apart.

Water them regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as marigolds do not like wet soil.

Aside from repelling rats, marigolds can also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on harmful pests.

Plus, they come in various colors, from yellow to orange to red, to add a pop of color to your garden.

7. Rosemary

Not only is rosemary a fragrant herb great for cooking, but it’s also an excellent plant for repelling rats. Rats have a strong sense of smell, and the scent of rosemary repels them.

Additionally, rosemary has natural insect-repelling properties, which make it an even better choice for outdoor use.

One way to use rosemary to repel rats is to plant it around the perimeter of your home. The smell of the herb deters rats, so they will avoid coming near your house.

You can also use dried rosemary to create sachets that can be placed in areas where rats tend to congregate, such as in attics, basements, and garages.

To make a sachet, fill a small cloth bag or sachet with dried rosemary and place it in the desired location.

You can also sprinkle dried rosemary in areas where rats are known to travel, such as around the base of trees or in garden beds. Rosemary is easy to grow and thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.

If you live in a colder climate, consider growing rosemary in a container that can be brought indoors during winter.

With its natural ability to repel rats and other pests, rosemary is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective, natural pest control solution.

8. Bay leaves

Bay leaves not only add flavor to soups and stews, but they can also repel rats. Their strong scent is not appealing to rats, making them an excellent natural rat repellent. 

Place a few bay leaves near rat entry points or in areas where you’ve seen rat activity, such as in your pantry or garden.

Bay leaves are easy to grow and can be planted in your garden or pots on your patio. They prefer well-draining soil and full sunlight. 

Once established, they require minimal care and can last for many years. To use bay leaves plants that repel rats, pick a few leaves and scatter them around your desired area.

While bay leaves can effectively deter rats, it’s important to note that they may not work for every situation.

If you have a severe rat infestation, it’s best to consult with a pest control professional for a more comprehensive solution.

9. Onion and garlic

Onion and garlic are well-known for their potent and spicy aroma.

These two vegetables are often used in cooking to add flavor and aroma to dishes. But did you know that they can also help keep rats at bay? 

Rats detest the strong smell of onion and garlic, making them excellent natural repellents for these pests.

Planting onions and garlic in your garden can help repel rats, mainly when they produce their strong scent.

You can also create a homemade rat-repellent spray by mixing chopped garlic and onions with water and spraying it in areas where rats tend to frequent. 

Remember to reapply the mixture every few days to keep its effectiveness. Onion and garlic repel rats and provide many health benefits for humans.

Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while onions contain vitamins and minerals. 

So, it’s a win-win situation! Adding onion and garlic to your garden or using them as natural repellents is an easy and effective way to keep rats away while providing additional benefits for you and your family.

10. Mint

Mint is a fragrant and popular herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. But did you know it can also repel rats?

The scent of mint is too strong for rats, irritating their respiratory systems and making it difficult for them to breathe.

There are many different varieties of mint, such as peppermint and spearmint, but all have a similar effect on rats. 

Simply plant mint around the perimeter of your home or garden, or place mint leaves in areas where rats are known to frequent.

Mint also has the added benefit of deterring other pests, such as spiders and ants.

While mint may be an effective repellent, it is essential to note that it is also a very invasive plant that can quickly take over your garden if not properly contained. 

It is best to plant mint in pots or designated areas to avoid it spreading uncontrollably. Overall, mint is a natural and safe way to keep rats away from your home and garden.

Its pleasant scent and ability to repel multiple pests make it a great addition to any green space.