Mice and rats are common household pests, particularly during the winter months, but there are a number of natural remedies that can be used to deter the rodents from entering your home
As the cold sets in, rats and mice often invade homes seeking warmth and grub, but fret not, there are natural ways to keep these pesky rodents at bay without resorting to risky poisons or traps that could endanger kids and pets.
Diamond Pest Control’s own Sally has shared some top tips for those hesitant to use harsh methods. She explains that while these critters might not have the best eyesight, their sense of smell is off the charts, primarily used to sniff out nosh and suss out predators, reports the Express.
Sally said: “These rodents may have poor eyesight, but they more than makeup for it with their other senses. Their acute sense of smell is mostly used to find food, and also to detect predators.
“They can smell food from long distances, which is why they can so easily find your kitchen. What this also means, though, is that we can use this superpower against them.”
So what scents do these unwelcome guests detest?
Spices
Spices are your new best friend in the fight against rodent intruders. Hot peppers and chillies will send them packing due to the intense irritation caused by the strong odours.
Sally said: “House mice also hate anything hot. This includes Chilli peppers and cayenne pepper. Chilli peppers can be placed around your cupboards and home, and cayenne pepper sprinkled in these areas.”
For a handy DIY repellent, mix a tablespoon of cayenne pepper with water in a spray bottle, and throw in a few drops of washing-up liquid to make the spicy concoction cling to surfaces.
Then simply spritz the mixture on windowsills, doorway gaps and other areas where you suspect rodents may be infiltrating your home.
Essential oils
One of the top natural remedies to deter mice and rats is peppermint oil or other essential oils. The potent aroma overwhelms the rodent’s senses, making it uncomfortable for them to remain in an area with that scent.
Sally said: “Some of best herbs or aromas for house mice are said to be peppermint, eucalyptus and cedar wood. You may want to purchase an essential oil diffuser.
“These are relatively cheap, and can be placed in your kitchen, other affected areas where mice congregate or near the cracks and holes where mice exit. You can also place fresh peppermint herbs wherever food is stored.”
If you don’t have a diffuser, simply position essential oil-soaked cotton balls in places where you suspect rodents may be entering your home. The cotton balls will need to be replaced regularly to maintain the scent, but this is an easy way to repel rodents.
However, bear in mind that many essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs so ensure to do your own research if you have pets.
Plants
Lavender is one of the most favoured natural solutions to keep rodents at bay as its powerful fragrance may be pleasant to humans but will disorientate them. Strong odours not only annoy mice and rats, but they also make it harder for them to detect food and predators, making them less likely to stick around.
Other plants that rodents dislike include rosemary, sage, and marigolds, so having these in your home can help deter them.
If you have pets, using plants might be a more effective way to keep rats and mice at bay. However, certain flowers, like essential oils, can be harmful to animals, so it’s important to do your own research if you have pets.
