Pests can be a serious problem in households and gardens across the country when the spring season arrives. The likes of rats and mice will be on the hunt for food and shelter, making gardens prime targets for a visit.

However, a lot of people will try to avoid commercial and chemical products to deal with the problem, to avoid harming other animals and plants that live in the garden. We asked experts to share the best natural defences that won't break the bank, but will keep the pests at bay as the temperature rises. Here are the best natural deterrents you can use in the garden to ward off rats and mice this spring.

Ryan described peppermint oil as one of the best natural deterrents you can choose to ward off pests. He said: "Peppermint oil is the most effective and one of the most popular deterrents. This is because the strong menthol scent of peppermint makes mice and rats avoid the area.

"Putting peppermint oil in your bins or around your bin areas can help to deter rats and mice outside, if rats in bins outside is a problem. All you have to do is put the oil on something such as cotton wool, napkins, etc. This should soak up the oil and hold off mice and rats."

Victoria said: "This one is brilliantly simple, chilli contains capsaicin, the same compound that makes your mouth burn after a spicy curry. Rodents are extra sensitive to it because they can't break it down properly. So when they sniff or nibble chilli-dusted areas, they get an unpleasant surprise that irritates their nose and mouth.

"They'll quickly learn to associate that spot with a bad experience and move elsewhere. Best of all, birds aren't bothered by capsaicin, so your feathered garden visitors stay perfectly happy.

"Sprinkle a thin line of chili flakes or cayenne powder right around the edges of your flower beds, align fence lines and directly at the entrance of any mouse holes you spot. If rain is forecast, mix two tablespoons of cayenne with a litre of warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid, then spray it onto plant stems and soil and then reapply every few days or after heavy rain.''

Mosh said: "Eucalyptus oil is highly effective against rodents and is one we use to advise homeowners on when they want a chemical-free solution. The cineole in eucalyptus oil is both an irritant and a strong olfactory deterrent - rodents actively move away from it.

"Apply it by soaking rags or cloth strips and placing them near known entry points, garden sheds, log stores and bin areas. It's also a practical choice for gardens with pets or children, as it's safe once dry and widely available from health food shops and pharmacies."

On using coffee grounds, you actually get dual benefits. Not only will it work as a pest deterrent, it can also be beneficial for the ground where it's scattered.

Mosh explained: "Coffee grounds are a brilliant, zero-cost deterrent that most households already produce. The strong, bitter aroma interferes with a rodent's ability to detect food sources nearby, making your garden far less attractive as a foraging ground.

"Scatter used grounds thickly around the base of bird feeders, compost bins and vegetable beds - all the spots where mice and rats typically investigate first. They're also beneficial to the soil, so you're getting a double benefit. Just top them up every few days, especially after rain washes them in."

There are a number of strong smelling herbs that can be left out or planted in the garden that can be used as an effective deterrent. Luke explained: "Planting fragrant herbs such as mint, lavender or rosemary can also help. These don't guarantee rodents will disappear overnight, but they do make the garden far less appealing. Mint is a good choice, but it's best grown in pots as it can spread quickly."

Even before you need to rely on any of the natural deterrents, there are a few small tasks that people can do around the garden to reduce the risk of pests scurrying around. They may be menial, but can make a noticeable difference to your outdoor space.

Luke said: "Just as important is removing what attracts mice and rats in the first place. Clearing away fallen bird seed, keeping food securely stored and turning compost regularly all make a big difference. Tidying up overgrown areas, wood piles and dense ground cover also removes the quiet, sheltered spots rodents like to nest in."

He even shared some long-term prevention methods. Luke explained: "For a longer-term, wildlife-friendly solution, encouraging natural predators like owls can help keep numbers down. Something as simple as an owl box can have a real impact over time."

Emily, garden and home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, echoed the same sentiment, saying: "Keeping rats and mice under control in and around the home is really about making the environment less attractive to them in the first place, rather than relying on reactive measures. Food sources should be removed entirely, so all waste needs to be stored in sealed bins, pet food should not be left out overnight, and compost heaps should be well managed so they do not become a feeding ground.

"Entry points are just as important, and even small gaps around sheds, pipework and air bricks can allow rodents inside, so these should be sealed as a priority."

She also pointed to regular garden upkeep, explaining it can make a "significant difference". Emily continued: "Regular garden upkeep also makes a significant difference, particularly cutting back dense vegetation, removing piles of wood, leaves or debris, and keeping storage areas tidy and raised off the ground where possible. The key is consistency, as rodents are highly adaptable and will quickly return if conditions remain favourable."