Keep rats and mice out of your garden this spring by placing 22p item outside

Keep rats and mice out of your garden this spring by placing 22p item outsideOne affordable kitchen ingredient can help deter rats from your home all year roundCommentsLifestyleNicola Roy Multimedia content creator and Talya Honebeek Content Editor - Spare Time14:58, 13 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesRats are more commonly spotted during the warmer months(Image: Francisco Martins via Getty Images)As the warmer months draw nearer, you're more likely to encounter rats and mice around your property. Spring represents a crucial breeding period for them, which means they're ravenous, seeking refuge and reproducing rapidly - and regrettably, our houses provide ideal nesting spots.‌Failing to prepare for this and overlooking any initial warning signs can swiftly result in a rat infestation throughout your property. Not only can pest control prove expensive, there's also the danger of contracting disease. Fortunately, there might be a simple method to keep them away - and it's inexpensive as well.‌According to Glen Peskett, DIY expert from Saxton Blades, one kitchen staple can deter rats from your property throughout the year: garlic.‌He said: "Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare.View 3 ImagesThe strong smell of garlic can help to drive pests away(Image: Getty)"Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented. These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home."‌Garlic is budget-friendly too, with a four-pack priced at just 87p from Asda, equating to roughly 22p per bulb.How to use garlic to keep rats and mice awayView 3 ImagesRats and mice will be looking for food and shelter this spring(Image: Getty)Po...