The challenge posed by rats is closely tied to their remarkable reproductive abilities. Rats commence breeding as early as five weeks old and maintain this pattern until around the age of two. Female rats experience fertility approximately every three weeks, during which they have been observed to engage in mating activities up to an astounding 500 times within a span of six hours. The ensuing gestation period usually spans about three weeks, yielding litters of 6 to 20 offspring on average.
In many instances, rats venture into gardens in pursuit of sustenance and shelter, inadvertently causing harm to plants. To address this issue, a knowledgeable individual has suggested cultivating specific plant varieties that possess properties that rats find unpleasant and deterring.
Most rats burrow to depths of 45 to 60 centimetres, though they are capable of digging even deeper. It is noteworthy that they can burrow beneath a building’s foundations, potentially gaining access to the interior. The primary objective should encompass not only capturing rats but also discouraging their presence.
How to Discourage Rats in the Garden
There has been a recognition for some time that specific plant types effectively discourage rodents. It’s important to acknowledge that this approach proves efficacious primarily during the spring and summer months, coinciding with the period of active plant cultivation. Ensuring the garden remains uncluttered during the winter months is crucial. Eliminate any refuse, wood, plastic, or potential nesting sites. It’s imperative to secure compost containers against rat intrusion.
The scent of mint is particularly offensive to rats, making it an excellent choice for planting in multiple locations across the garden as a means of deterring rodents. Similarly, the aroma of garlic is known to repel rats, potentially making them think twice before approaching the plant. Experiment with applying garlic-infused water within rat burrows. Rats heavily rely on their acute sense of smell to locate food and steer clear of perilous situations, such as predators or noxious substances.
Conversely, lavender’s fragrance can have the opposite effect on rats, disrupting their ability to locate food due to its potent aroma. Placing lavender around decks, garden structures, and the garden’s perimeter can discourage rats from congregating in these areas.
Establish a perimeter of herbs like basil, thyme, and echinacea around the exterior of your garden. These plants can act as a natural barrier.
Summary
- make sure the garden is free of clutter in the winter to discourage nesting
- secure compost containers
- mint can repel rats
- use garlic-infused water at entry points
- use lavender around the garden
- make a perimeter of herbs such as basil, thyme, and echinacea