RATS can cause major damage to your garden and home if they find find a way inside, so deterring them is a must.

But that doesn't mean you need to fork out on pricey products to keep rodents at bay – a few cheap plants can do the trick.

Using plants to repel rats is a great natural alterative to often harsh chemical products and traps which can be dangerous around pets and kids.

These plants and herbs works so well thanks to their strong smells, according to pest expert Ricky Young, owner of Young’s Pest Control.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he shared the five best budget plants anyone can add to their garden to do the job.

Peppermint

This strongly scented herb is the perfect addition to your garden thanks to it's minty scent, which rats hate.

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You can buy peppermint plants from your local garden centre or supermarket for quite cheap, making it a great alterative to other deterrents.

“You can plant peppermint around your property or use peppermint essential oil to keep rats away," the pro said.

Bay leaves

Rats can't stand the scent of the leaves from Bay trees, also known as Laurus nobilis, so scattering the leaves around your garden can keep the pests away.

Simply plant the shrub in your garden and remove a few leaves to spread to scent further.

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“You can place bay leaves in areas where rats are likely to enter your home or store them in your pantry to keep rats away," Ricky explained.

Marigolds

Not only can this plant and loads of colour to your garden, it's perfect for banishing pests like rats.

Try planting them next to your fruit and vegetables to keep insects away as well.

This is because compound called alpha-terthienyl, which is toxic for rats and other pests.

Garlic

Growing garlic is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to keep rats out of your garden.

The especailly strong scent isn't liked by rats so they tend to steer clear of it.

You can plant the bulbs around your garden or even leave cloves near spot where rats might enter your home.

Black pepper

The spicy scent of black pepper can deter rats for good, meaning they won't come back again.

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The expert explained: "Rats dislike the strong scent of black pepper, so sprinkling black pepper around areas where rats are likely to enter your home or storing black pepper in your pantry can help to keep rats away."

You can grab a small pot of the plant from most supermarkets for as little as 70p, making it a great bargain option.

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