Four plants that 'repel' rats and keep them at bay - they're all easy to grow (2025)

If you're looking for a natural and safe way to prevent a rodent problem in your garden, then you should consider growing certain plants that deter rats and even other unwanted pests

Rat infestations in gardens can be incredibly annoying, and most people's first instinct is to use poison or bait. However, if you're looking for a more natural, safe yet effective way to prevent a rodent problem in your garden, consider planting certain plants that deter rats and other unwanted pests.

Pest control experts at Buzz Boss have revealed four plants that not only "add charm" to your garden but also "serve as formidable allies in your battle against rats", as they "repel" and "keep them at bay".

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1. Lavender

Lavender, a fragrant herb known for its calming and relaxing properties, is also a "great rat repellent". It has a strong and pleasant scent that "rats dislike", reports the Express.

Lavender contains essential oils that act as "natural repellents for rats and other pests", such as mosquitoes, flies, and moths.

This perennial plant can grow up to 60 cm tall with grey-green leaves and purple-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

It can be planted in pots, borders, or beds and can also be used as a hedge or a ground cover.

2. Onion

This kitchen staple is "a nemesis of rats", according to the experts. They said: "It's a powerful rat repellent because of its pungent smell and taste."

The pros explained that onions contain sulphur compounds that irritate the eyes and nose (of rats, too) and allicin, which can cause anemia and oxygen deprivation in rats if ingested.

Onions are a cool-season crop that thrive in full sun and rich, moist soil. They can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants and harvested when the bulbs are fully formed and the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

For storage, keep the bulbs in a cool, dry, and dark place for several months.

3. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, with their stunning array of colours and forms, are not just eye candy but also serve as "effective rat repellents" due to their "high pyrethrin content". This natural insecticide targets the nervous system of rats and other pests.

To maximise the repellent effect, opt for varieties with prominent yellow centres where pyrethrin is concentrated.

Growing chrysanthemums is "super easy to grow", requiring full sun and well-drained soil. They flower from late summer to autumn and are perfect for borders, containers, or beds.

Regular watering, monthly fertilisation, and post-blooming pruning will keep these flowers thriving.

4. Black pepper

Black pepper isn't just a kitchen staple; it's also a powerful rat deterrent. The spice contains piperine, which "stimulates the pain receptors of rats and other mammals, causing them to sneeze, cough, and scurry away immediately".

The black pepper plant is a tropical vine that can stretch up to four meters. It boasts glossy green leaves and small white flowers, which give way to green berries that ripen to red.

These berries are dried and ground to produce black pepper. Black pepper thrives in warm, humid conditions, with a preference for partial shade and nutrient-rich, damp soil.

It can be cultivated in pots, on trellises, or within greenhouses, and the berries can be picked once they've fully matured.