Rats will 'never' go near your garden when you grow 1 common plant they're repulsed by

Rats are a common problem around homes and gardens. Not only do they cause structural damage and eat your plants, but these pests can also transmit a number of diseases. Seeing or hearing rats around your garden and home, or perhaps spotting their hair or droppings, are all signs of an infestation.

Keen to find a solution, Suzi Cox took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page to ask for advice on how to deter rats. She wrote: "Not so much gardening, however, any suggestions on how to keep rats out of the garden? Are there any plants that may stop them?" One commonly recommended plant that kept cropping up in the comments sections was lavender.

Tracey Thompson said, "Rats are repulsed by strong scents, so lavender works well to deter them."

Linda Henry wrote: "Lavender. I have rats in my yard. I put a flower pot with lavender outside, and they never come near my back door now."

Chuck Jarman commented, "Lavender, I planted these on the side of my house next to the garage and have not had one come in the garage since planting."

Tom Wellard said, "Lavender or highly scented herbs are reported to keep rats at bay in a garden."

Lavender is a fragrant herb famous for its soothing and relaxing properties. It's also a great rat repellent, as it has a strong and pleasant scent that rats dislike.

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

This perennial plant can grow quite tall with grey-green leaves and purple-blue flowers that bloom beautifully 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. Alternatively, you can place cuttings of the plant around the perimeter of your garden where rats might be attracted.