Mice are a real problem for homeowners, especially those who take pride in their gardens, but one woman has found a simple way to get rid of them for good.
Mice can be a nuisance in homes and gardens (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Mice are a nuisance for many gardeners, especially during the summer months when they wreak havoc.
These pesky rodents not only devour vegetables, but also spread droppings, carry diseases and find the most ingenious places to hide. These animals have an incredible reproductive rate, with a gestation period of just three weeks, and a single mouse can give birth to up to 14 pups in one litter and can have up to 10 litters in one year, meaning that one mother can produce as many as 140 new mice.
Gardeners are often stumped, needing a solution that won't damage plants, and pet owners needing a method that's safe for their dogs. Hoping to rid her garden of rats without harming green spaces or her pets, one woman sought advice on plants that would repel rats, eventually coming up with mint, reports the Express.
Posting the petition in the Gardening Tips and Tricks Facebook group, Sarah Hilton wrote: “I'd like some plants planted at the back of the shed and along the fence to ward off a rat infestation which is clearly on the rise. Can anyone give me some advice on plants that will repel rats? Plants that do well in full sun and part shade. Our garden is quite small so we can't ignore them as the kids go outside in the evenings and bother the rats. In our previous larger garden we just let the rats continue.”
After some thought, Sarah decided to try growing mint and updated her post with, “I'm growing mint now. I heard online that mice hate mint. Now my garden smells like peppermint. I'll let you know if it works. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but it's easy to give it a try.”
Sharing her update excitedly, Sarah commented: “Mint plants are working! I spotted some mice but they got too close to the plant and couldn't get away in time.” The experts at Top Best Pest Services also recommend mint as a mouse repellent, explaining: “There's something special about mint – it provides a pleasant smell, taste and sensation.”
“Fortunately, this benefit only applies to humans and not to pests, particularly rats, for whom the smell of mint is downright unpleasant, along with any strong, overpowering smell.” Rats rely heavily on their keen sense of smell to find food, which is why they're so good at digging out edible items.
The experts added: “Fortunately, mint, and peppermint in particular, is one of the best plants for repelling mice due to its high mint content.”
