Using this natural solution, you won’t need poison or traps to get rid of rats and mice in your garden.

Natural rodent deterrents can be a helpful, humane alternative to poisons and traps. Here are some methods that people have found effective:

1. Strong Scents:

• Peppermint Oil: Rodents dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where you’ve seen rodent activity. You can also plant peppermint around your garden.  
• Other Essential Oils: Other strong scents like eucalyptus, citronella, and clove oil can also deter rodents.  
• Onions and Garlic: Placing chopped onions or garlic cloves near rodent entry points or runways can be effective.  
• Capsaicin (Chili Pepper): Sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes around your garden or create a spray by mixing them with water. Be cautious, as this can irritate your eyes and skin.  

2. Physical Barriers and Habitat Modification:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your garden and home for any cracks or holes that rodents could use to enter. Seal them with steel wool, caulk, or wire mesh.  
• Clean Up Debris: Rodents like to hide in piles of debris, wood, or leaves. Remove these potential hiding spots from your garden.  
• Elevate Storage: Store birdseed, pet food, and other potential food sources in airtight containers and elevate them off the ground.  
• Trim Vegetation: Keep grass and weeds trimmed short, and prune bushes and trees so that rodents have less cover.  

3. Natural Predators:

• Owls: Encourage owls to your garden by installing owl boxes. Owls are natural predators of rodents.  
• Cats: If you have a cat, their presence alone can deter rodents. However, relying solely on cats might not be sufficient for a severe infestation.

4. Other Natural Deterrents:

• Used Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your plants. The strong smell and acidity can deter rodents.
• Ammonia: Rodents dislike the smell of ammonia. Place a shallow dish of ammonia near rodent activity areas. Be careful, as ammonia is toxic.  
• Snake Droppings: If you can obtain snake droppings, placing them around your garden can deter rodents due to the predator scent.  

Important Considerations:

• Persistence: Natural deterrents may require more persistence than poisons or traps. You may need to reapply them regularly.
• Combination Approach: Combining multiple methods is often more effective than relying on a single one.
• Sanitation: Good sanitation practices are crucial for preventing rodent infestations.  
• Severe Infestations: If you have a severe rodent infestation, it might be necessary to consult with a professional pest control service.

By using these natural solutions, you can create a less hospitable environment for rodents and protect your garden without resorting to harmful chemicals.