Having rats in the house can be a major nuisance and cause significant damage. It’s essential to eliminate them as they not only chew on items but also spread diseases. To keep rats away without using poison or causing harm, consider adopting a few natural methods. Here are five effective and safe remedies:
The Strong Smell Remedy
Rats possess an extremely keen sense of smell, and certain strong odours are known to effectively deter them.
- Peppermint oil: Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in areas where rats frequent.
- Garlic and onion: Their pungent smell can act as mild deterrents to rats.
- Eucalyptus oil or citronella oil: Apply a few drops on cotton balls or mix with water and spray these diluted essential oils in corners or the space behind appliances.
Although strong scents alone might not entirely solve a rat infestation, they can play a helpful role in preventing rats from entering or settling in your home.
Maintain Clean And Dry House
Rat-proof your home by removing their access to food, water, and shelter. To keep rats at bay, it’s important to deny them the essentials they seek:
- Cover food at night: Avoid leaving meals, pet food, or snacks uncovered after dark, as rats are most active during these hours.
- Clear up crumbs and leftovers: Even the tiniest food particles can lure them in, so regularly wipe down surfaces and sweep the floors.
- Store dry goods securely: Place items such as grains, flour, and pulses in airtight containers to stop rats from detecting or accessing them.
Maintaining cleanliness and proper storage is key to keeping your home rodent-free.
Install Ultrasonic Devices
An effective, chemical-free way to deter rats is by using electronic ultrasonic repellents. These devices emit sounds inaudible to humans but disturbing to rats, causing them to leave.
These devices are low-maintenance and simple to install, making them a practical addition to any pest control approach. When positioned strategically around your home or property, they can help repel rats and reduce the risk of infestation.
Seal Holes And Cracks
Rats are remarkably agile and can gain access to homes or buildings through surprisingly small gaps. Once indoors, they can cause significant issues, such as gnawing on wires, contaminating food, and spreading disease.
Therefore, it’s crucial to seal any often-overlooked cracks in walls, spaces beneath doors, or holes around pipes that may serve as entry points. Seal all openings including cracks, gaps around pipes, and edges of windows and doors using steel wool or cement.
Use Home Remedies
- Baking soda trick: Mix baking soda with flour and feed it to the rats. The baking soda creates gas in their stomachs, leading to their death outside.
- Rat traps: Place these traps wherever rat movement is observed.
