[doganjo]

Was anybody listening to Gardeners question time on Radio 4 this afternoon?  I was!  A question was asked about planting mint to deter rats!  None of the panel had ever heard of such a thing but a little squeaky voice said 'yes, it does work' and they introduced Amy the producer onto the show - apparently she had heard of it, planted mint, and also scattered some around the rat runs - and no more rats!  What's the betting Amy will have her own spot soon!  Maybe even her own programme!

Even the experts learn something new every day! 

I've just planted my pot of mint at the far side of the little wall separating the duck run/front paddock and the burn (next to a rat hole my son spotted), so I'll let you know if I see a mass exodus.     Apparently it's something to do with a rat's keen sense of smell and the pungent scent of mint.  I don't know what kind of mint I have but I'm willing to plant different varieties over there as there are 2 foot deep footings for the wall so that should contain it, and it can grow all it likes over there.   All that grows there otherwise is nettles and they are no more as my son strimmed the whole paddock this afternoon.

I could have a veritable mint farm over there, couldn't I?
   

[jaykay]

Let us know if it works - would far rather plant mint than use poison

[mab]

That would be brilliant if it works!

Just have to keep the sheep from eating it.

m

[Sudanpan]

 need to get some planted now!

[ellisr]

oooh I will have to raid the supermarket potted herbs now as I get them in all the barns and shelters. I would surround the buildings with mint if it works

[little blue]

Off to get some seed/plants tomorrow then... 

[hughesy]

Garlic is said to deter rabbits too, which as far as my veg plot is concerned are a far bigger nuisance than rats.

[Hopewell]

We have a big patch of two different sorts of mint and it doesn't seem to affect whether we have rats or not.

[doganjo]

We have a big patch of two different sorts of mint and it doesn't seem to affect whether we have rats or not.

Well I hope it works here.  The girl seemed to be quite sure - did no-one else hear that programme but me?  I'm sure I wasn't dreaming because I was driving to edinburgh Airport at the time    Ah well teh mint will have fun sperading over there if not 

[Sandy]

My brothre ALWAYS listens to gardeners question time, he has rang in before...I just wish he was up here to enjoy things and input his knowledge......I will ask him to join as he reminds me of our beloved Wizard, full of knowledge,,,

[Rainyplace]

I heard it Annie!  I just switched on to hear the discussion about all the Bay trees that have died over the winter. I have a Bay which is about 30 foot high which did not survive.  I just cant bring myself to chop it down, heard them say to cut everything back and give it a year. Will do that and keep fingers crossed however don't hold out much hope!

[goosepimple]

Suppose you have to plant it and not just leave clumps hanging around?  What about opening a few jars of mint sauce, surely the vinegar content would be a bit off-putting too - or would that smell rat-licious?

[gavo]

Does wild mint have the same effect as we have loads of it around?

[ellisr]

Suppose you have to plant it and not just leave clumps hanging around?  What about opening a few jars of mint sauce, surely the vinegar content would be a bit off-putting too - or would that smell rat-licious?

Don't know about rat-licious but the flies would love it. I use jars with vinegar in and clingfilm with a small hole in to catch flies

[Plantoid]

Suppose you have to plant it and not just leave clumps hanging around?  What about opening a few jars of mint sauce, surely the vinegar content would be a bit off-putting too - or would that smell rat-licious?

Don't know about rat-licious but the flies would love it. I use jars with vinegar in and clingfilm with a small hole in to catch flies

 Reckon my mates in  their  pest control business would roll over killing themselves laughing about planting mint to keep rats away  .... if I tell them .

I'd  imagine if this little gem were true the whole of the UK and the rest of the world would be knee deep in mint with not a rat left anywhere.