The spice can stop rats entering homes (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Nobody likes the idea of having rats in their home, but it can be a problem during the winter months if you don’t take simple steps to deter them. When the weather is cold, rats look for shelter and food inside people’s properties, and it can be super easy for them to gain access during months like February.
However, if you suspect the pests are in your garden, there’s a simple thing you can do to repel them and put them off visiting again. It’s said you only need a staple household item to get the job done, and the advice is worth paying attention to.
It’s not the first time someone has recommended using a spice to rid rats either. A few months ago, it was revealed another common ingredient could help prevent the pests too.
Babs, known as Brunch With Babs to her over 3million Instagram followers, wrote: “What is the one thing in your spice cabinet that can keep you bug and rodent free? Yes! Cinnamon.
“Cinnamon naturally contains eugenol, an aromatic compound commonly found in traditional insect repellents.” It also helps to keep rodents, like rats, away.
Read more: Rats will infiltrate your bins if simple food is stored in waste in January
It’s clear to see people love the tips Babs shares, as hundreds of people commented on the video. One said: “Love you Babs! I saw this video forever ago, and I just searched for it to start using the hacks.”
Another added: “Thanks for sharing.” A third replied: “Also great for keeping ants away! Stick a cinnamon soaked paper towel ball where the ants are coming from and they’re gone!”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “I pour cinnamon everywhere after learning this randomly seven years ago.”
While cinnamon can help to deter many pests, it can also work to keep rats away. This is because they don’t like its strong scent, specifically the compound cinnamaldehyde, which overwhelms their sensitive noses.
It acts as a natural repellent, particularly when used as essential oil on cotton balls or sprinkled in areas of activity. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not a long-term solution as, over time, rats could become accustomed to the smell, so it should be used together with other sanitation methods.
How to do it
There are a few ways to use cinnamon to keep rats out of your home. One option is to soak cotton balls in cinnamon essential oil and place them along baseboards, under sinks or near suspected entry points in the garden.
You’ll need to reapply it every few days though, as the scent will fade. You could also scatter generous amounts of ground cinnamon in areas with known rodent activity.
For a lighter approach, you could also make a homemade spray. You can do this by mixing cinnamon oil, water and a carrier (like a little dish soap or oil) together, and then spray it around doors, windows and in hidden corners.
To enable it to work properly, you need to make sure the smell is both strong and consistent. However, if you have a large infestation, it’s not likely to work.
If you’re worried you have a rat problem, always seek advice from a pest control expert. They will best guide you on how to tackle the issue.
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