With spring breeding season approaching, rats and mice are looking for shelter – but this affordable kitchen ingredient could help keep them at bayNicola Roy Spare Time writer and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
07:36, 13 Mar 2026
With spring breeding season approaching, rats and mice are looking for shelter – but this affordable kitchen ingredient could help keep them at bay(Image: Nigel Harris via Getty Images)
As the warmer months draw nearer, you may be increasingly likely to encounter rats and mice in your home. Spring marks a crucial breeding period for these rodents, meaning they’re hungry, seeking shelter and reproducing rapidly – and regrettably, our homes provide ideal nesting conditions.
Failing to prepare for this and overlooking any early warning signs can swiftly result in a rat infestation throughout your property and garden. Not only can pest control be costly, there’s also the danger of contracting disease, reports the Express.
Fortunately, there may be a straightforward method to deter them – and it’s inexpensive as well. According to Glen Peskett, DIY expert from Saxton Blades, one kitchen staple can keep rats away from your property throughout the year: garlic.
The strong smell of garlic can help to drive pests away(Image: Getty)
He said: “Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare.
“Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented. These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home.”
Garlic is budget-friendly too, with a four-pack priced at just 87p from Asda, equating to approximately 22p per bulb.
Rats and mice will be looking for food and shelter this spring(Image: Getty)
How to use garlic to keep rats and mice away
Position garlic cloves around entry points in your home, where rodents are likely to sneak in. They’re most drawn to areas like your basements, garages, kitchens and even the loft, so make sure to place them near any cracks and doorways around the outside of your property.
Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar also work to deter any pests that might be tempted to enter your home.
However, it’s not just repellents that can make a difference. Carrying out other tasks, like reducing clutter, can eliminate any hidden spaces that rats can use to build nests.
Food waste is also a major draw for rats, so keep bins tightly sealed, take them out regularly, and clean up any spills quickly. Finally, check for cracks, especially under doors or vents, and fill them in – even the tiniest holes can allow rats and mice to squeeze through.
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