Pests can cause all sorts of problems for homeowners, including structural damage and health risks – but there are some ways to deter them naturally
Finding a pest infestation in your home or garage can be absolutely horrifying, leading to structural harm, unsightly mess and serious health hazards. The good news is that homeowners have the power to address this issue.
If you’ve spotted clear evidence of rodents scurrying around your property and are unsure what to do, one pest control expert has revealed everything you need to know to manage the situation. Alastair Mayne, Chief Operating Officer at Garolla, has outlined some natural and humane methods for keeping pests at bay.
He explained: “If you want an easy way to discourage pests from your home, you can use different essential oils or ingredients to deter them.”
“For example, rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, vinegar, and garlic. Scattering black pepper around entry points to your property will also irritate their noses and stop them from entering.”
Ground black pepper is most effective for this purpose as it’s simple to distribute and typically more cost-effective, reports Devon Live.
A 100g container costs £1.80 at Tesco whilst 55g is priced at 87p in Sainsbury’s
According to Buzz Boss pest control, black pepper serves as “a potent rat repellent” due to its piperine content.
Piperine triggers the pain receptors of rats and other mammals, making them sneeze, cough, and “scurry away”.
A disorganised space is a paradise for rats, particularly in garages where items such as furniture, boxes or general clutter accumulate.
Alistair, a home expert, suggests a thorough declutter to keep spaces tidy and spotless.
Regular cleaning is crucial for overall hygiene and can make your property less appealing to rats and other pests. Factors like spills, rubbish or odours can attract rats.
Even minor oversights, such as failing to clean your pets’ food and water bowls daily, can invite pests into your home.
Therefore, regular rubbish disposal and securing food sources are key preventative measures.
By disposing of waste properly, promptly cleaning up spills and maintaining clean surfaces, you can create an environment that’s less attractive to pests.
The home expert also advised homeowners to be mindful of water sources.
Rats are drawn to damp, dark areas like basements or garages.
Like all living creatures, they need water to survive and are known to seek out leaky pipes, birdbaths, and drains.
If your property has leaking drainpipes, it would be wise to repair them promptly to prevent rats from infiltrating the systems.
If rats or other pests invade your property, identify their entry point and seal it securely to prevent re-entry.
This can be achieved using mesh, screens or sealant.
Keeping a close eye on vents and gaps beneath doors is crucial, as numerous pests, especially rats and mice, have the ability to wriggle through astonishingly tiny spaces.