During the colder months, rats become more desperate to find warmth and food, often leading them to venture closer to human habitats. Unlike the common misconception, rats do not hibernate; instead, they seek shelter in places such as homes, sheds, gardens, and garages. This behaviour change calls for a shift in control tactics, focusing more on blocking entry points and ensuring that potential nesting sites of these pests are eliminated.
Ash Read, the founder of Indoor Plants, recommends using rats’ amazing sense of smell as a way to deter them. One thing Ash recommends using is peppermint, whether that be in the form of a plant or essential oil. Ash has shared his expert advice on keeping rats away from your home and garden, warning that “rats can turn a tranquil spot into a nightmare”.
The expert said: “Peppermint isn’t just great for tea, its robust aroma sends rats sprinting in the opposite direction.”
Like many essential oils, peppermint not only contains a potent aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats in particular tend to despise.
To use peppermint as a deterrent in the home, Ash advised making a homemade spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and applying it around doorways and other entry points. In the garden, this spray can be applied to plants.
Alternatively, you can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your home and garden.
The cotton ball method is fuss-free, effective, and easy to maintain, which is perhaps why it is one of the more popular choices for repelling rats with peppermint.
Pure and natural peppermint oils with strong, clear scents will therefore work best as their aromas will carry for longer throughout your home.
While the use of peppermint oil for rats is a great preventative measure, it’s important to note that this method alone will not prevent larger infestation cases.
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