Summer is here, and rats are breeding. They are in many UK homes, causing problems.

Rats are active from spring to summer in Britain, where they find food and shelter.

Rats are clever but unwanted in homes and gardens, where they cause damage.

Rats can spread illnesses like leptospirosis and hantavirus, which can be serious.

Rats eat vegetables, fruits, and bird food. They live in sheds, greenhouses, and under decks.

Summer is the time when rats breed and cause problems.

Gardeners' World has tips to keep rats away from gardens and plants, including a £1.47 remedy.

Gardeners can't stop rats from eating crops, but they can drive them away.

Spraying peppermint oil on crops can keep rats away because they don't like the smell.

Peppermint oil is available at Asda for £1.47 for 60ml.

To make a rat-repelling spray, mix peppermint oil with water and spray it on plants.

Gardeners can keep rats away with simple tips.

Spraying the mixture on plants will keep rats away. Spray it twice a week.

Rats also don't like the smell of catnip. Planting catnip in the garden can help.

Keeping the garden neat and tidy can also keep rats away. Rats don't like clean spaces.

Cutting the lawn, disposing of rubbish, and clearing clutter can reduce rat activity.

Rats are afraid of new things, so changing things in the garden can keep them away.

Rats don't like it when their territory is changed, so moving things around can keep them away.