Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Property
  • Health
  • TV
Subscribe
YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to get rid of army worms

How to get rid of army worms

How to get rid of ants

How to get rid of ants

Experts warn: Beware of funnel-web spiders in this rain

Experts warn: Beware of funnel-web spiders in this rain

How to know when you need to call the exterminator

How to know when you need to call the exterminator

{headline}

{headline}

Garden plants that battle the bugs

Garden plants that battle the bugs

Best way to get rid of cockroaches

Best way to get rid of cockroaches

How to get rid of drain flies

How to get rid of drain flies

{headline}

{headline}

How to get rid of pests in your kitchen

How to get rid of pests in your kitchen

How to grow tulips

How to grow tulips

Your essential checklist for Autumn gardening

Your essential checklist for Autumn gardening

How to transform a brick wall

How to transform a brick wall

How to care for your lawn this autumn

How to care for your lawn this autumn

Autumn trees

Autumn trees

Charlie and Adam give a '70s courtyard the ultimate makeover

Charlie and Adam give a '70s courtyard the ultimate makeover

  1. Home
  2. Garden

How to get rid of rats in your garden without poison or traps

For good! - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 18 Jan 2021

Rats can be a common problem in gardens. They can gnaw their way through your fruit and vegetables; set up camp in your compost; and burrow tunnel networks in your soil.

WATCH: How to get rid of rats from inside your home.

It may be tempting to use traps or poison, but they can pose a risk for dogs, children and native wildlife. It's better to employ methods that deter rats and offer a permanent solution.

Here are six ways to rid your garden of pesky rats for good.

1. Peppermint oil

Rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, so it’s an effective way to drive them away. Moisten some cotton balls with 100 per cent pure peppermint oil and place them in various spots around the garden, including the garage and shed. Reapply the oil a couple of times a week.

2. Catnip

Get some catnip from a garden centre and plant it in several spots around the garden. Be strategic with your planting and look for signs of rat activity like nests and pellet droppings.

3. Keep your garden clean

You can deter rats from setting up home in your garden by keeping it clean and tidy. Remove piles of wood and garden clippings; pick up any fallen fruit, berries or vegetables, and cut back overgrown areas.

lawn with holes

4. Remove food and water sources

Rats will seek out any sources of food or water in your garden. Make sure your taps aren’t dripping and don’t use a bird bath. Remove bowls of pet food or water at night. If you like to compost, keep it secure and bury any organic material deep in the bin. Make sure lids are tightly closed on bins and don’t leave garbage bags outside for long periods.

5. Soil netting

If you want to protect a new garden from rats, lay a piece of netting just under the soil. This will prevent rats from burrowing and eating roots and bulbs. Determined rats may chew through the netting, so keep an eye out for it. 

6. Sealing gaps

Rats will try to enter your home through any gaps or cracks in external walls. Use an appropriate sealant to block any nooks and crannies. 

Need to get rid of more pests?

How to get rid of ants

How to get rid of moths

How to get rid of cockroaches

  • Garden
  • Better Life

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Subscribe for $4.95 per issue

Subscribe Now
Get your mag delivered!

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to get rid of army worms

How to get rid of army worms

How to get rid of ants

How to get rid of ants

Experts warn: Beware of funnel-web spiders in this rain

Experts warn: Beware of funnel-web spiders in this rain

How to know when you need to call the exterminator

How to know when you need to call the exterminator

{headline}

{headline}

Garden plants that battle the bugs

Garden plants that battle the bugs

Best way to get rid of cockroaches

Best way to get rid of cockroaches

How to get rid of drain flies

How to get rid of drain flies

{headline}

{headline}

How to get rid of pests in your kitchen

How to get rid of pests in your kitchen

How to grow tulips

How to grow tulips

Your essential checklist for Autumn gardening

Your essential checklist for Autumn gardening

How to transform a brick wall

How to transform a brick wall

How to care for your lawn this autumn

How to care for your lawn this autumn

Autumn trees

Autumn trees

Charlie and Adam give a '70s courtyard the ultimate makeover

Charlie and Adam give a '70s courtyard the ultimate makeover

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Get your mag delivered!-Save 29% off the cover price!

Shop This Offer
Get your mag delivered!