Just months ago, experts issued a stark warning that UK rats are now growing to the size of ‘small dogs’. But fear not – there’s a surprising ingredient that may deter them from entering your home
If you thought ‘normal’ rats were scary enough, brace yourself for the giant ones. This year, experts shared that rodents are now growing to the size of ‘small dogs’ in a fresh warning that’d have you convinced we’re living in a horror movie.
Feasting on our discarded ‘KFC’ and leftover takeaway boxes, a Mirror exclusive previously suggested these troublesome creatures are bulking up on protein, with their bellies and appetites only getting bigger and bigger. But, just before you consider fleeing the UK, take a look at this advice.
Nikura, a UK-based fragrant oil company, swears by a surprising ingredient to stop rodents in their tracks. And the best part? It smells divine.
“Many sources have revelled in the success of peppermint oil as a chemical-free rat repellent for centuries, with a 2010 review confirming these effects alongside a number of other essential oils in a controlled environment,” experts at the firm wrote in a blog.
“Due to the rodents’ natural sensory systems rats are highly sensitive animals that can be deterred by even the slightest potent scent. Like many essential oils, peppermint not only contains an extremely powerful aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats in particular tend to despise.”
In even better news, Madame Sweat, a TikToker who specialises in tips for home and body hygiene, also suggests using peppermint oil for mice problems too. In a recent video, she encouraged her viewers to apply drops of this to small wool balls before placing around the house.
“So, if you don’t want to set traps, you just want the mice to stay away, you want to use peppermint essential oil,” she explained. “But here’s the trick. Don’t put the peppermint oil on cotton balls, people recommend that, it’ll just evaporate.
“Wool holds the smell of essential oils much longer. Think of your wool coat, it picks up the fragrance that you’re wearing and it stays on your coat. So, wool is the best fabric to hold essential oils. And actually, you can even use them to sense your closets.”
Despite this, it’s worth noting that peppermint oil isn’t suitable to use around pets, as it is generally toxic to dogs and cats. So, for those in need of a different solution, Gareth Davies, an expert at Pest and Property Solutions, previously told Mirror that it’s worth re-assessing your food storage and cleaning habits if you’re concerned about rats.
“I think it’s about being sensible and not leaving stuff out on the countertops,” the Cardiff-based expert said. “When they get into your property and crawl over food services, the bacteria they spread is horrendous. Eighty percent of rats come from the sewers – we all know what’s in the sewers.”
Taking rubbish to the dump is key for rat-proofing too Gareth insisted, while also sealing any dubious cracks in the walls. He added: “If there’s a hole you can see, crush up some broken glass and seal it with cement.”
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