As we approach summer, the likelihood of encountering rats and mice around your property increases. Spring is a breeding period for rodents, leaving them hungry and seeking refuge – making our homes ideal nesting locations.
Failing to prepare for this situation and overlooking initial warning signs can swiftly result in a rat infestation throughout your property. Beyond the potentially costly extermination process, there’s also the danger of contracting diseases. Fortunately, there could be a straightforward and budget-friendly solution to keep them away.
Glen Peskett, DIY specialist from Saxton Blades, suggests that one common kitchen staple can deter rats from your property throughout the year: garlic. He explained: “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.”
The solution is remarkably affordable, with a four-pack available for just 87p at Asda, equating to approximately 22p per bulb. Keep rats and mice out by placing garlic cloves around entry points in your home where rodents are most likely to enter.
They tend to be drawn to areas such as basements, garages, kitchens and lofts, so make sure to position them near any cracks and doorways around the exterior of your property.
Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar can also prove effective in deterring unwanted pests from entering your home.
However, repellents alone aren’t the only solution. Tackling other tasks, such as reducing clutter, can remove potential hiding spots that rats may use to build their nests.
Food waste is another significant draw for rats, so keep your bins firmly sealed, empty them regularly, and clean up any spillages promptly.
Finally, inspect your property for any gaps, particularly beneath doors or around vents, and seal them up – even the tiniest of holes can provide rats and mice with enough room to squeeze through.
Comments are closed.