Households across London are being told about a few natural items that will repel rats and mice from an area as experts predict a surge in the pests entering homes
Rats and mice are highly sensitive to smell due to their poor vision, which necessitates heightened other senses for survival. To deter these pests, households should utilise potent scents that will “overpower” their senses.
Pest control experts at Eliminated LTD have revealed several odours that rats and mice detest to ensure they “stay away” including certain essential oils that can be used as homemade repellent.
Thanks to the record heat of the summer, experts believe we’ve created the optimal conditions for a looming plague of rodents, so it’s more important than ever for homeowners to keep the pests out of homes as we move into autumn.
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Lavender
Mice and rats “hate the smell of lavender”, so using a lavender-scented spray or even better, cultivating a lavender plant will naturally repel them from your home, reports the Express.
Alternatively, you could concoct your own solution by mixing a quarter to half a cup of flowers with one-quarter cup of water in a spray bottle to keep mice at bay.
Shake vigorously before each use, then spritz surfaces in affected areas until damp but not soaking wet with the mixture. Refresh this solution monthly to maintain its freshness and efficacy in keeping mice out of your home.
Citrus oil
Rats and mice despise the scent of citrus oils because they contain limonene, a compound found in lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Limonene is also present in numerous cleaning products such as soaps, detergents, and disinfectants. It’s this chemical that gives these products their fresh and clean aroma when used around your house.
Citrus oils like lemon and orange are also “very effective at keeping rats and mice away” from a particular area or object. However, due to the potency of citrus oils, they should be used sparingly or diluted with water before being applied to an area or object that requires treatment.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is “effective” at deterring rats and mice as they can’t stand the smell of menthol. When mice encounter the aroma of this essential oil, they “associate it with danger and fear”. Consequently, they’ll “avoid areas” where it’s present or attempt to “stay away from it” as much as possible.
This is one of the most common ingredients used in homemade mouse repellents. The scent is potent enough to keep mice away from a specific area or object. Simply put a few drops on cotton balls and place them in areas where mice are likely to hide.
Chilli powder
Chilli powder is another excellent choice for creating homemade rat repellents as it’s “inexpensive and easy to obtain at most grocery stores”. You’ll need roughly two tablespoons of chilli powder per litre of water before adding it to your spray bottle or hand sanitiser container.
The experts stated: “This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of mice because it smells terrible to them and they won’t stay around long enough for their sense of smell to become accustomed to it.” Simply sprinkle some chilli powder in areas where you suspect there might be mice, such as behind cupboards or under furniture.