The invasion of rats and mice is a real scourge for all land owners. Indeed, it is a real nightmare: in the garden as well as inside the home, rodents tend to spoil the crops, nibble the vegetable garden and ravage the supplies in the pantry. Not to mention that they multiply quickly and carry many diseases. To remedy this, there are a range of radical measures, such as specific ultrasound devices, mouse traps or even poison. However, the latter in particular is particularly toxic for both humans and domestic animals. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions to eliminate these parasites naturally, safely and cruelty-free!
To keep rodents away, certain insecticidal and repellent herbs will do the trick. Indeed, it turns out that there are plants capable of repelling garden and pantry pests. Simply plant them in the heart of vegetables or on a balcony to get rid of these pests. The truth is, it’s all about the smell. For us, it may be pleasant or odorless, but for rats, moles and mice, these scents are unbearable and immediately scare them away. In other words, it is safe for our health!
Quickly discover which herbs are most recommended to protect your home and banish the presence of these unwanted rodents.
What herbs will help repel mice and rats?
Tansy
As aromatic as it is ornamental, tansy is every gardener’s ally. Both a fungicide and an insecticide, this hardy plant is very useful in vegetable gardens. You can even distribute a few fresh bouquets of inflorescences in the cupboards and pantries of the house to keep away all kinds of insects. Its flowers are very fragrant and will thus banish rodents such as mice as well as small pests such as flies, mosquitoes, ants, fleas and other bedbugs. The advantage is that it is undemanding and requires almost no maintenance. A little fertilizer every two weeks and a little watering in case of drought or very high heat. In decoction or infusion, it is very effective in protecting the garden!
Elderberry
In villages, this plant is often grown along plots and buildings where seeds are stored. Elderberry roots emit a powerful poison and the flowers give off a rather strong aroma. This natural insecticide will repel rats, mice, moles, voles and field mice. Thanks to the sambucin it contains, elderberry manure gives off a particularly unpleasant odor for rodents which damage orchards. This method is very popular in the agricultural world to get rid of undesirables without harming the plants. Simply use it pure or diluted in equal parts in water.
Absinthe
Wormwood has very effective insecticide and insect repellent properties against the invasion of rodents. Like the elderberry, it can be planted near your property, hung on fruit trees or placed in the favorite places of mice. This perennial plant is also very useful for repelling ants, caterpillars, flies, moths, flea beetles, etc. A decoction of wormwood is good to spray where there are rodents. Inside the house, you can fill a few sachets of dry shoots to install in the cupboards to repel moths.
Mint
We love drinking a good mint tea. Its scent is delicately intoxicating and soothing. However, unlike us, rats hate this smell! This fragrant plant not only repels rodents , but also insects. Also, to scare them away, plant mint plants in the garden and a few shrubs around the perimeter of the house. You will no longer have to worry about the presence of these parasites! As an infusion, mint also protects the vegetable garden against bedbugs, aphids, flea beetles and other insects. The ideal would still be to plant it in a pot in front of a window to keep flies, ants and spiders away. Also place a few bunches in the house or basement: you will benefit from a nice smell of freshness while chasing away undesirables.
Chamomile
To expel rats and mice, chamomile is also a formidable remedy! Its delicate white flowers evoke a beautiful romantic ambiance, while rodents are terrified of them. Especially if you hang dried bouquets in the corners. Its smell will be perfectly repellent, enough to dislodge all these freeloaders. If you sprinkle a little chamomile on the usual route of these parasites, be sure that they will turn around!
Cynoglossum officinale
The Cynoglossus is also called “rat-dog” for its properties known to discourage all rodents. They can’t stand the smell of this plant and try to get away from it as quickly as possible. And this, whether fresh or dry. Pour boiling water over the branches and spread them in different places. If you find a hole, stick a small rat catcher in it as well. You can also plant blackroot near trees and outbuildings. To completely secure your land, 25 plants must be planted per 2400 m2. The decoction of a “rat-dog” is quite toxic, so it is ideal for banishing rodents. But use with great caution, as it is also dangerous for humans.
Some tips for fighting these rodents?
- Biodiversity is always more favorable than extreme methods. Some predators like cats are very fond of rodents. Don’t hesitate to adopt a cat to scare away these parasites!
- Always remember to clear the ground around the plantations: the earth must be compacted and the grass cut well.
- Avoid mulching your crops. Rodents tend to camouflage themselves under mulch which becomes a valuable shelter.
- Protect your fruit trees by installing a type of mesh all around the trunk which will act as a barrier against rodents. And remember to surround your plantations with hedges.
- Around the areas to be protected, scatter ashes, crushed garlic cloves, mint leaves, etc.
In order to expel rodents from your home once and for all, herbs must be applied systematically. Refresh houseplants once a week. Did you know these properties of herbs?
