Natural methods used to control rodent populations

Various natural methods are being utilized to manage rodent populations in residential and agricultural settings. In homes, certain plants with strong scents can act as deterrents. Recommended species include lilies, which contain alkaloids, peppermint, lavender, and lemongrass, as their intense aromas are disliked by rats.

In the agricultural sector, particularly within palm oil plantations, biological predators are employed as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The Tyto alba, or barn owl, is a primary nocturnal predator used to control rat populations. A single owl can hunt between three to five rats in one night. This method serves as an alternative to chemical rodenticides to protect crop productivity, as rat infestations can significantly damage developing palm oil fruit clusters.