Planting certain flowers in the garden can help deter rats before they have nested in the garden or home.

It’s important to take these steps to prevent the pests from entering your premises as they can carry a range of parasites and diseases.

Jordan Foster from Fantastic Pest Control said: “There is no doubt rats are smart. They’re good at hiding until it’s too late.

“Rats usually get into your garden because it’s an excellent place to hide and a constant food source.

“Surrounding your garden with traps and poisonous stuff is not very convenient if you have pets and children nearby, so instead use organic methods to help you.

“People have known for quite some time that certain plants are effective at deterring rodents.”

Using plants in containers or flower beds is ideal to deter rats, cats and even foxes from ruining your garden.

One plant which is great at scaring rats away is mint which the rodents are said to find “very offensive”.

This is because of its super strong scent so try planting it in different spots around the garden.

Mint can be used in cooking and in drinks so it doesn’t go to waste if you do decide to plant it in the garden.

The expert added: “The smell of garlic is also repulsive to rats. If they get too close, they’ll think twice.”

The pest control pro advised Britons to squirt garlic water down a rat burrow if you find one or plant garlic in the garden.

Garlic has several sulphur compounds which emit a “pungent” scent which is nice to humans but horrible to rats.

Jordan continued: “Imagine that one of our favourite smells, lavender, can have quite the opposite effect on rats.

“It can keep them from finding food because of its potent smell. Place it around decks, garden structures, and around the perimeter of your garden where rats might be attracted.”

If you don’t have the time to plant flowers in the garden, essential oils can also be tried around areas of the garden.

This includes peppermint, citronella and eucalyptus. Simply put a few drops of oil in the area, or soak cotton wool in the oil and place it in the garden.