The last thing you want when you’ve transformed your garden into an oasis is the arrival of unwanted guests. 

Rats are not only considered to be vermin, but are also nightmare pests for gardeners trying to maintain an outdoor space – especially during the colder months of the year. 

The little creatures can cause havoc in gardens by digging up plants and destroying roots to bury food, while bird feeders provide an easy meal and further encourage rats to nest and breed. 

If they build a nest on your property, they can multiply quickly, where rat droppings and urine can also contaminate your soil and potentially spread disease.

However, an animal expert has revealed an effective yet natural way to expel the rodents from gardens. 

Sam Bryant, from Glenlivet Wildlife, suggests the use of certain plants and flowers to deter rats, as some of the scents we humans enjoy can be appalling to rodents. 

One particular scent that offends rats is the smell of mint, and planting it around the perimeter of the garden could be a good idea to keep them out.

Sam told The Express: ‘Plant mint around the perimeter of the garden or near vulnerable plants to repel rats with its strong scent.

‘Mint’s strong aroma can mask the scents of other plants, making them less attractive to rats.’

However, mint can spread quickly once planted in the ground, so it’s important to check on it regularly to make sure it is not overgrowing and overtaking any other plants.

One of the better solutions is to plant mint in pots to control its growth and placed near the home, such as on a kitchen windowsill where it can receive lots of sunlight and warmth.

As spring draws closer, the season is known to welcome the blossoming of particular floral species, including Daffodils – which just so happen to be a excellent rodent deterrent. 

Rats dislike daffodils’ strong fragrance, but the plant also contains alkaloids which are poisonous to the creatures.

Sam explained: ‘Rats are known to dislike the taste and smell of daffodils. Strategically planting these bulbs can help deter them.’

Ideally, you should plant the daffodils in a border around the garden or among vulnerable plants to create a deterrent. 

Another natural method that can be used to banish rats from gardens is by planting marigolds next to crops, as they emit an odour that rats find especially unpleasant. 

The expert revealed the plants emit a smell that is unpleasant to rats and recommended planting them alongside vegetables or flowers to give an ‘adde layer of protection’.

Meanwhile, another gardening expert has come up with a trick to stop snails and slugs from destroying plants in gardens – and it only costs pennies.