To get rid of rats in garden naturally, you need to use a combination of deterrents, habitat control, and natural predators. Here are effective and chemical-free methods which does not involve direct killing:
🌿 1. Remove Food Sources
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Clean up fallen fruits or veggies from plants or trees.
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Secure compost bins with tight lids and avoid adding meat or oily scraps to compost bins.
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Use rodent-proof bird feeders and clean up spilled seed.
🏡 2. Eliminate Shelter and Nesting Areas
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Trim overgrown plants, shrubs, and weeds where rats may hide. Also, there close all rat hiding pots and holes with propery fill of earth and rocks.
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Store firewood and garden equipment off the ground and away from walls.
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Seal holes in fences, sheds, and around the garden (rats can squeeze through small gaps).
🧄 3. Use Natural Repellents
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Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place them around entry points and nesting areas.
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Garlic and chili spray: Blend garlic and chili with water, strain, and spray around the garden.
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Used cat litter or human hair: Rats avoid predator scents.
🌾 4. Grow Rat-Repelling Plants
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Mint, lavender, marigolds, rosemary, and daffodils are known to repel rodents naturally.
🦉 5. Encourage Natural Predators
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Install owl boxes or perches to attract birds of prey.
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Encourage neighborhood cats or adopt one if practical.
🪤 6. Use Humane Traps
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Live traps baited with peanut butter or fruit can help you catch and release them far from home.
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Be sure to check local regulations before releasing wildlife.
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🚫 Avoid
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Poison or glue traps, as these can harm pets, wildlife, and cause slow suffering. So do not use them as if they are killed, it will be difficult to dispose of rotten bodies.
You can watch a good video on this topic here: