Rats and mice are more likely to visit gardens with bird feeders.
Rats and mice are more likely to visit gardens with bird feeders(Image: CBCK-Christine via Getty Images)
March marks the beginning of the breeding season for brown rats and house mice, meaning gardeners must take action now or risk facing a serious infestation. Rodents can produce up to seven litters annually and frequently enter gardens during early spring whilst searching for sufficient food to feed their young.
During this period, rats and mice are constantly on the hunt for food, and it’s common for them to take up residence in gardens with bird feeders, as scattered seeds offer an accessible food source. However, you needn’t stop feeding birds to deter these pests, as Tim Travis, president of Goldner Walsh Garden Centre, has explained that rodents typically steer clear of areas where they can detect the scent of hot peppers.
Rats and mice will run in the opposite direction if you pour 1 natural food item in your garden(Image: Getty)
Tim said: “Hot pepper animal repellent is a natural deterrent to keep unwanted animals and pests away from plants and garden areas. It combines the properties of both hot peppers (capsaicin) and dish soap to create a safe, cheap, and effective repellent”.
Hot peppers, cayenne pepper and spicy sauces can help keep rodents out of your garden because they contain capsaicin, the compound that gives these foods their heat.
Rats and mice possess an incredibly acute sense of smell, and when they encounter capsaicin, it can trigger a burning sensation in their nostrils, making the vicinity highly uncomfortable for them, reports the Express.
The potent scent can also hinder rodents’ ability to locate food or navigate effectively, meaning they’re far more likely to stay away from the area. If rodents taste capsaicin, it can irritate their mouths, often deterring them from eating seeds from a birdfeeder or other food in your garden.
Hot sauce, peppers and cayenne pepper will keep rodents out of your garden(Image: Getty)
What makes capsaicin particularly useful is that birds are not affected by it in the same way as mammals, so it will not deter robins, blackbirds or other garden birds from visiting.
How to create a rodent repellent with cayenne pepperYou will need:Two litres of hot sauceTwo litres of white vinegarTwo litres of tap water225g of cayenne pepper powder60ml of washing up liquidMethod:
Pour the water, white vinegar, cayenne pepper and hot sauce into a large mixing bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest for at least eight hours or overnight.
Strain the mixture through a sieve or a kitchen towel. This helps turn the mixture into a smooth liquid that won’t block your spray bottle when you try to use it.
Spray the homemade solution around your garden and it will keep rodents away without harming birds(Image: Getty)
Please be aware that this mixture will be extremely spicy, and it’s highly recommended to wear gloves or even eye protection when handling it; otherwise, it can be irritating.
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then add the washing-up liquid. It’s crucial to include washing-up liquid as it helps the mixture adhere to surfaces and last longer in the garden.
Spray the repellent underneath a birdfeeder, around fences, near sheds, around planter boxes or anywhere else rodents might nest. It should help deter rats and mice from settling in your garden, allowing you to continue feeding birds without worrying about pests this spring.
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