Rats and mice are notorious for having poor vision and rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to navigate their surroundings. One effective method to deter these unwelcome rodents from invading your home is by introducing strong scents that can overpower their olfactory senses. Eliminated LTD, a pest removal service, has identified four key scents that repel rats and mice, all of which are readily available.
The first recommended scent is lavender, which these rodents find particularly repellent. Simply spraying a lavender-infused fragrance around your home or growing a lavender plant can serve as a natural deterrent. For a DIY solution, you can create a mixture by combining dried lavender flowers with water in a spray bottle and apply it generously in areas frequented by rodents. It is advised to refresh this homemade remedy monthly to maintain its effectiveness in repelling rodents.
Citrus oil is another scent detested by rats and mice due to the presence of limonene in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. Citrus oils, especially those from lemon and orange, are known to be highly effective in keeping rodents at bay. It is recommended to use these potent oils sparingly or diluted with water before applying them to specific areas or items to avoid overwhelming scents.
Peppermint oil is believed to be effective in repelling rodents as they are averse to the menthol aroma it emits. Rodents associate the smell of peppermint oil with danger, prompting them to avoid areas where it is present. Placing a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls in strategic locations can help deter pests from entering those areas.
Chilli powder is also a favoured ingredient in home repellent solutions due to its affordability and accessibility in most grocery stores. To use chilli powder as a deterrent, mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it around areas where mice are likely to be found. The strong odour of chilli powder makes it unpleasant for rodents, deterring them from staying in those places for long.
By incorporating these four scents – lavender, citrus oil, peppermint oil, and chilli powder – into your pest control strategy, you can effectively keep rats and mice away from your home. These natural and accessible solutions provide a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional rodent repellents.