
How to control rats without chemicals with a natural trick
Plants aren’t just there to beautify a garden or add flavor to your meals. Some species give off an odor that rats find unbearable. It’s almost like you have to live with a strong, unpleasant smell under your nose all the time.
Here are the plants that are preferred:
- Peppermint and spearmint: very effective thanks to their intense fragrance.
- Citronella: it is known to repel mosquitoes, but it is also a pest for rodents.
- Eucalyptus: The camphor fragrance has a repellent effect.
- Bay leaves, garlic, and chili peppers can also be off-putting, even irritating, but be careful when using them, especially around children or pets.
Tip: Plant these plants around your home, in the garden, or put fresh leaves in at-risk places like the basement, garage, or attic.
Coffee grounds: a little-known but impressive trick
Did you know? Coffee grounds are not only good for enriching your compost or exfoliating your skin. It is also a natural rat repellent. The strong smell is unpleasant to their sensitive sense of smell, as if they were living in a cheap perfume shop.
How do you use it?
- Sprinkle coffee grounds in corners, under furniture, near baseboards, and in dark places.
- For a stronger effect, you can mix it with cloves, bay leaves, or a few drops of peppermint essential oil.
It’s simple, economical and safe for the environment!
Create a burglar barrier

It’s good to keep rats away. It’s even better to keep them outside! These little creatures are real contortionists who can sneak through openings the size of a euro cent.
How to secure your home:
- Fill all cracks and holes with steel wool or a solid sealant.
- Spray peppermint essential oil on windowsills, doorsteps, and drainpipes.
- Think of the ultrasonic repellent devices that are available at hardware stores. Inaudible to us, unbearable to rodents.
It’s possible to say goodbye to rats without chemicals! A little ingenuity, a few well-chosen plants, coffee grounds and simple precautions are often enough to dissuade them. In addition, these methods have the advantage of protecting your health, peace of mind and the environment.