Rodents such as rats and mice are more likely to come into homes as the weather gets colder to find food and burrow somewhere warm to survive in winter. 

It is important to get rid of rats and mice as soon as possible as they carry a variety of diseases which spread through urine, dropping or even their saliva. 

However, preventing rodents from reproducing and becoming an infestation can be very simple as they have a heightened sense of smell that is very sensitive to a few natural scents. 

If you want to repel these pests then the experts at Pure Pest have shared that growing certain plants in your garden or having them as houseplants in your home is one of the “best” methods to deter rodents. 

They said: “It turns out that a few special plants, nature’s own guardians, can help keep these rodents at bay. And the beauty of it? This method is environmentally friendly and safe for other wildlife.” 

How do plants keep mice and rats away?

It seems strange but strong floral scents that humans love can be irritating to rodents due to their highly developed sense of smell and will quickly overwhelm them. 

These strong smells can mask the scent of food or predators which can make rodents nervous so their survival instincts will stop them from settling in a area. 

These plants often also contain compounds which are toxic to rodents so strategically placing them in windows, doors, gates or fences is a simple way to stop them entering your property. 

What scents keep mice and rats out of your home

Marigolds

Marigolds are beautiful flowers but produce a pungent musky scent which smells lovely to humans but is highly irritable for rodents. 

Not only do marigolds have a strong scent but they also contain compounds such as thiophenes which is known to be toxic to pests once it is exposed to sunlight. 

One pest expert said: “Mice, known for their acute sense of smell, find this odour rather disagreeable. It’s as if the marigold, in its own subtle way, sends out a fragrant caution tape, warning mice of the territory they’re about to tread on. The message is clear: ‘This might not be the best place for you.’"

Mint 

Mint is known for its crisp cool scent, perfect for keeping your home smelling fresh.

However, its scent is also one of the best to use to overpower rodents due to how strong it is. 

One expert said: “This fragrance, which we associate with freshness and zest, is a product of the essential oils present in the plant. Menthol, a primary compound in these oils, gives mint its characteristic cool and invigorating scent. 

“While to us, this aroma is synonymous with revitalization, especially on a warm day, it’s quite the opposite for our rodent friends. 

“The potency of mint’s scent is overwhelming for mice, who have a keen sense of smell. The olfactory assault from the menthol and other compounds in mint acts as a natural deterrent, driving them away from spaces where this herb thrives.”

Lavender 

Lavender is known for its calm fragrant scent which is often used to calm people down or help them get a better night’s sleep.

However, lavender is great to have around the home as its sweet scent attracts pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies while naturally repelling pests like mice and rodents. 

One expert said: “Mice, with their heightened sense of smell, find the intense aroma of lavender quite overpowering. It’s almost as if the lavender plant, in all its wisdom, balances its allure and defence mechanism perfectly. 

“While it beckons beneficial pollinators with its visual and olfactory appeal, it simultaneously warns off potential pests like mice.”