AnnaMaria
Rats and mice aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. These small invaders can cause serious damage to your home and carry potentially life-threatening diseases, including hantavirus and leptospirosis. If left unchecked, a minor infestation can quickly escalate into a major health hazard.
Fortunately, there are natural, effective, and affordable methods to keep rodents out—many using everyday items you may already have at home.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda reacts inside a rodent’s digestive system by creating gas they can’t release. This eventually leads to their death. Sprinkle baking soda behind furniture, along walls, or near entry points.
Important: Keep baking soda away from pets and children.
2. Predator Scents (Like Fox or Cat Urine)
You can buy synthetic predator scents that mimic the smell of fox or cat urine. These trigger an instinctual fear response in rodents. Place scent stations near suspected entryways or in gardens.
3. Mechanical Traps
Old-fashioned but effective, traps work best when placed in high-traffic areas. Use peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit as bait. Even cotton balls can attract them if they’re looking for nesting material. Always check traps daily.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Rodents hate the strong aroma of peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls in 5–10 drops of peppermint essential oil and place them in problem areas. Replace them every 2–3 days to maintain strength.
5. Grow Mint Around the House
Plant mint near doors, windows, and outdoor walls. It acts as a natural repellent and adds a refreshing scent to your garden. Bonus: You can use the leaves in your cooking or tea.
6. Used Cat Litter
If you own a cat, try placing a small tray of used litter near rodent entry points. The scent of feline urine serves as a strong deterrent. Avoid placing it in areas accessible to children or pets.
7. Seal All Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter-inch (about 6 mm). Seal holes with steel wool, copper mesh, or cement. Focus on the basement, kitchen, garage, and around pipes.
8. Cloves (Syzygium Aromaticum)
The scent of cloves irritates rodents’ noses. Sprinkle ground cloves or place whole cloves in sachets near problem spots. Refresh weekly for lasting results.
9. Dryer Sheets
Their strong scent can repel mice temporarily. Tuck dryer sheets behind appliances, under sinks, or along walls. This method works best as a short-term fix.
10. Adopt a Cat
A cat’s presence is often enough to scare rodents away. Even if your cat doesn’t hunt, its scent and movements can deter mice. For best results, combine this strategy with others on the list.
11. Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sounds that humans and pets can’t hear, but rodents find unbearable. Use in enclosed spaces like garages, attics, and sheds. Most work best when plugged in continuously.
12. Sticky Traps
These glue-based traps capture rodents alive, but they’re considered inhumane and should be used cautiously. Place them in low-traffic areas, check daily, and handle with gloves when disposing.
Stay Consistent for Best Results
Rodents are smart and adaptable, so a one-time fix won’t cut it. Use a combination of these strategies and check frequently for signs of activity. If your efforts aren’t working, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control service.
Always wear gloves when cleaning up rodent waste or handling traps to protect yourself from disease.
There it is—your home’s defence just got a lot more natural.
