How to Keep Rats Out of the Garden—6 Easy, Natural Methods That Work

Sometimes it can feel like rats are everywhere—from rummaging around garbage cans to turning up in backyard gardens. But while they're common, they don't have to be an inevitable part of growing food at home.

A few natural strategies can help keep rats out of your vegetable garden before they cause damage. Start by eliminating common attractants, including fallen produce, unsecured seed or feed, compost scraps, standing water, and dense areas of cover. If an infestation persists, professional help may be necessary.

We asked pest-control experts to share their best natural methods for deterring these unwanted visitors. The humane methods below don't rely on traps, making them safe for you, the rats, and the rest of your garden.

Use Peppermint-Soaked Cotton Balls

Peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls placed strategically can deter rats as well as mice. Put them around the garden perimeter and near entry points, says Kyle Turner, the founder, president, and CEO of Pro Active Pest Control.

“Rats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and peppermint is genuinely aversive to them," he says. This is a completely natural approach that will not harm local wildlife or pets. However, the downside is that you need to refresh them every few days—especially after rain—or they will lose potency.

Add Fragrant Plants

Mint, lavender, and garlic planted around your garden border can create a scent barrier as well. “It's a longer-term solution and looks good,” says Turner.

The drawback is that these plants take time to establish, and they won't solve an active infestation on their own. But it's a great way to add diversity to your garden—and they can ward off unwanted bugs, too.

Remove All Food Sources

This is the most important method for deterring rats, says Turner. Fallen fruit, bird feeders, and messy compost piles are all enticing to rodents. “Rats are opportunists, and if there's nothing to eat, they move on,” he says.

Make sure to pick your fruits and vegetables the moment they are ripe, so as not to attract these rodents. This can be a bit of extra work, but apart from that, it's an easy prevention method.

Related Stories

6 Natural Ways to Keep Mice Away From Your Home for Good, According to Pest Control Pros

How to Get Rid of Rats and Keep Them Out of Your Home for Good

Invite Owls

You can also make your garden habitable for natural predators, such as owls, says Jeff Schumacher, owner of All-Safe Pest & Termite.

“Install an owl nesting box facing the area where you want owls to hunt rats,” he says. This will help the birds move into your garden—even if you don't have the type of trees that they generally prefer to nest in. It's a solution that supports natural biodiversity, and owl boxes are inexpensive and long-lasting. However, owls may take some time to discover and build a nest in the box, he says.

Tidy Your Yard

Clean up any areas that can be habitats for rats. “Store firewood off the ground and away from fences, and clear out piles of debris like leaves, lumber, and general clutter from garden sheds,” says Schumacher. “Overgrown bushes are ideal habitats for rats and other pests.”

General upkeep is highly effective as a long-term preventative measure, he adds. However, “It's ongoing maintenance, rather than a one-time fix.”

Install Physical Barriers

Physical barriers will prevent rats from entering your garden. “Bury a rigid wire mesh around the perimeter of vegetable gardens and around compost bins,” Schumacher says. You can then use that same wire mesh to seal entry points around the foundation of your home.

A well-installed barrier can last for years and doesn't require any harmful chemicals. However, installing one is labor-intensive, especially for a larger area—and it won't keep out rats if they're already living in your yard.