6 repellent plants that keep rats and mice out of the house
Dealing with rats and mice can be a nightmare for homeowners. They damage gardens, eat crops, and spread diseases. While traps and poisons work, they’re harmful to humans and pets. Luckily, there’s a natural, safe solution: repellent plants. These plants emit odors that we might find pleasant or neutral, but rodents find unbearable, making them an effective, humane way to keep these pests at bay.
Discover the Best Plants for Repelling Rodents:
Tansy: A gardener’s friend, tansy is both fungicidal and insecticidal. Its fragrant flowers deter mice and various insects. It’s low-maintenance and effective in decoctions for garden protection.
Elder: Often grown near storage areas, elderberry roots and flowers release a strong scent and a natural poison that repels rodents like rats and moles. Elder manure, especially, emits a smell that rodents find repulsive.
Wormwood: Known for its insecticidal properties, wormwood effectively repels rodents. Plant it near your garden or use a decoction to spray in rodent-prone areas. Dried wormwood can also be used in sachets to repel moths indoors.
Peppermint: While we enjoy its aroma, rats despise it. Plant peppermint around your house and garden to keep rodents away. It’s also effective against various insects.
Chamomile: Not just for tea, chamomile’s scent is a potent rodent repellent. Hang dried chamomile in corners or sprinkle it along rodent pathways to deter them.
Cynoglossum officinale (Rat-Dog): As its nickname suggests, this plant is a natural rodent deterrent. Spread boiled branches or plant it around your property to keep rodents away. However, be cautious as it’s also toxic to humans.
Fighting Rodents with Biodiversity:
Encouraging natural predators like cats can also help control rodent populations. Remember, a diverse ecosystem is often the best defense against pests.