Noticing in your can be unsettling, as they not only spread diseases but also damage plants by digging up their roots, and if left unchecked, it can lead to an infestation. To address this issue, many individuals resort to using traps or poison.

However, according to Toby Bateson, an expert from the pest control company Hammer, such methods can be extremely inhumane. He stated: "Conventional pest control can cause harm and suffering to rodents, as well as causing poisons to enter the food chain. This can lead people to look for all-natural rat repellents.

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These can be safer for the environment and pets, as well as causing less suffering for the rats." Rats possess highly sensitive noses and can be easily deterred from gardens containing smells they find overwhelming.

This makes the environment less appealing to them, convincing them that there is no food nearby or that the area could potentially be dangerous, reports .

Which scents can keep rats out of your garden?

Toby said: "Peppermint oil is an all-natural rat repellent which many people find effective.

"It can be mixed with water and sprayed in areas where rats cause a problem. The smell may fade over a couple of days so you may need to reapply it regularly."

Toby explained: "Citronella is another essential oil which can be used to keep rats away. Its lemony scent can disorient the rodents and disguise their tracks.

"Rotating different oils may be more effective than simply using the same oil all the time. Rats are neophobic so anything new will upset them but they can become accustomed to changes over time. This a good reason to mix things up a bit."

On the topic of eucalyptus, Toby added: "Eucalyptus oil is another pungent ingredient you can use to keep rats away. Use in a spray or soak into cotton wool balls and leave where the rodents spend time and hopefully, they will think twice and leave the area."

However, Toby warned against certain natural methods: "You should never use anything extremely spicy to keep rats away as it can burn a rodent's eyes and they will not be able to clean them. This can lead to rats panicking, hurting themselves to try to stop the burning and is overall very cruel as it will cause them a lot of pain."

He also warned that cayenne pepper could harm other local wildlife, pets, or neighbourhood and cats, making it hazardous for the local environment.

However, one of the most effective methods to deter rats from your garden is to simply ensure there are no food or water sources for them.

Ensure there are no pet bowls filled with food or bird feeders near the ground in your garden, pick up any fruit that has fallen off plants and keep your rubbish sealed, and rats will naturally steer clear of your property in no time.