Rats and mice are likely to start invading gardens in autumn, but there is a simple way to keep them at bay using a homemade solution made from chilli peppers
Katherine McPhillips and Millie Bull Deputy Editor, Spare Time
19:33, 30 Oct 2025
Between September and October, these pests begin hunting for new places to shelter(Image: Andyworks via Getty Images)
As temperatures drop, gardeners might be tempted to spend less time tending to their outdoor spaces. Yet, autumn is a crucial period to stay alert, as rats and mice are prone to invading gardens during these months.
Between September and October, these pests begin hunting for new places to shelter, seeking warmth in sheds, piles of leaves or compost heaps.
If left unchecked, they’ll settle into your garden for the winter months, potentially making their way indoors in search of additional food sources once they start breeding. Autumn isn’t the ideal time to resort to poison, as gardens are teeming with wildlife at this time of year, and it could accidentally harm hedgehogs, birds and neighbourhood cats.
A natural method is advisable to deter rats and mice
Angelo, a specialist from Deep Green Permaculture, recommends scattering chilli powder throughout your garden to effectively deter rodents, reports the Express. Angelo explained: “Capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers responsible for their heat, acts as an irritant to mammals, such as humans and rodents, making it an effective deterrent.”
Whilst it might sound unusual, chilli peppers contain a fiery compound known as capsaicin which mice and rats particularly dislike because of its irritating impact on their noses.
Rodents have an exceptionally keen sense of smell, and contact with capsaicin creates an unpleasant sensation that can quickly overwhelm them. Using this spice will make it difficult for rats and mice to find food and sense predators, causing them to feel insecure in the vicinity.
Chilli peppers serve as a natural way to address rodent issues before they escalate into a full-blown infestation, prompting them to relocate before making themselves at home in a garden.
How to convert chillies into a rodent deterrent
You will need:
Chilli peppersWashing-up liquidGlovesEmpty spray bottleBlender
Instructions:
Start by donning a pair of gloves before handling the spice. Chop your peppers, then blend them with 480ml of water. It’s crucial to use fresh peppers rather than powdered chilli as they’ll be more potent and thus more effective.Blend until you have a smooth liquid, then transfer it to a pot and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, then set the liquid aside to cool. Boiling the liquid is essential as it extracts the capsaicin from the chillies.Once cooled, strain the liquid through a colander to remove any remaining solids.Pour the liquid into an empty spray bottle, then add a few drops of washing-up liquid. The soap will help the solution adhere to surfaces, ensuring the scent lingers in the area.Spray the solution around fences, walls, or potential shelters like sheds. Reapply the solution twice a week or after rainfall, and it should deter any rodents from entering your garden.
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