Rats are clever small animals. They slip into your house, and before you realise it, you are dealing with chewed furniture, gnawed cables, and health hazards.
You don’t always have to turn to costly exterminators or deadly pesticides to keep these pests out. Many natural and environmentally safe solutions exist to help you keep rodents under control and stop them from infesting your house.
These are not only safe for your family, your pets, and you, but also help to preserve better surroundings.
Since everyone deserves a rodent-free environment, let’s explore some of the most natural and successful methods to handle rats close to your house!
- Seal Entrance Points
The most effective way to prevent rats is by keeping them from entering your home in the first place. That’s way better than any home remedies or traps.
Rats are renowned for squeezing through the smallest openings. Actually, a rat can wriggle through a hole whose width matches a pencil.
It’s time then to thoroughly check your house. Particularly near pipes, vents, and doorways, look for cracks, gaps, and openings. Seal those possible entry sites with wire mesh, steel wool, or caulk.
Now is the moment to mend any broken window screens you have. It would amaze you how big of a difference just restricting access can make.
- Eliminate Food Sources
Food is one of the main attractions for rodents. Rats will treat your house or garden as an all-you-can-eat buffet if it includes easily available goodies for them.
They are not picky, either. They eat grains, fruits, vegetables, and even leftovers, all of which will have them returning for more.
Effective rat prevention relies on keeping your home and surroundings free of easily accessible food. Stow your food safely in sealed containers and use bins with tight covers.
You should also clean your kitchen from any food residue or crumbs.
Although composting is fantastic for the garden, if done incorrectly, it can be a veritable gold mine for rats.
- Peppermint Oil
This would surprise you, but rats detest the scent of peppermint oil. Use it to ward them off successfully.
Peppermint and other essential oils throw off their senses, meaning your house is a far less attractive choice.
On cotton balls, drizzle a few drops of peppermint oil and then place them around your house, especially in areas where rats are likely to find their way.
Remember to change the cotton balls every few days since the smell won’t linger indefinitely.
You can also dilute it with water and spray the mixture in places likely to be infested.
- Natural Rivals
Predators are nature’s rodent control tools. Establishing a habitat that draws natural predators like owls and snakes can help to stop a rat invasion most easily.
An owl box could be the perfect addition to your yard. Owls are a very effective (and entirely natural) rodent deterrent since they can devour several hundred in one night.
Another common predator is cats, and many homes swear by the rat-hunting prowess of their buddy.
If you do not have a cat now, give adoption some thought. Along with a loving companion, you will have a rodent patrol officer around all day.
- Set up a Rat-Proof Bird Feeder.
Sometimes, bird feeders are inviting to rodents. Rats would gladly eat any seeds or nuts that fall to the ground. Investing in a rat-proof bird feeder will help you prevent your yard from becoming a rodent-feeding ground.
These feeders have systems that stop bigger animals like rats from getting inside and are meant to stop food from flying everywhere.
Not only will this help with rat control, but it will guarantee that only your feathered friends can enjoy your bird feed!
- Plants Designed to Repel Rodents
Strong scents or bitter tastes of some plants are well-known to discourage rats. Natural means of deterring rats in your garden or even in pots around your house are planting these:
- Lavender. Although people get great relaxation from this aromatic herb, rats are not fans of it. Put some in your garden or scatter dried lavender sachets about the house.
- Daffodils. Rats find these vivid blossoms toxic, so planting some provides organic protection.
- Mint. Not only does it smell fantastic, but it also drives off rats. Put it all around your house to naturally create a rat barrier.
These plants will not just help to prevent rats, but also somewhat decorate your house.
- Eliminate Outdoor Chaos
Rats are constantly searching for dark, safe hiding places, meaning clutter in outdoor areas is perfect for them. You are rolling out the welcome mat for heaps of wood, old furniture, or dense, overgrown shrubs around your house as well.
Sort your yard and garden, cut back dense plants, and arrange any wood heaps close to your house. This lessens the appeal of your house to rats seeking a safe, cosy place to nest.
- Ultrasonic Repellent Devices
If you enjoy a gadget-based approach and are tech-savvy, think about buying ultrasonic repellent.
While most dogs and humans find these gadgets completely inaudible, rats find high-frequency sounds emitted by them unpleasant. This works by driving away rats with continuous, annoying noise.
These devices can be positioned in any place you have seen rodent activity or close to entrance points.
Although these gadgets can be useful, keep in mind that they will not fit every household or environment, hence, they are best used in combination with other rodent control techniques.
- Made-from-home rat repellents
If you enjoy DIY projects, there are plenty of house remedies meant to deter rats.
Making a spray with cayenne pepper, garlic, and water is one well-liked choice. Rats detest the strong taste and scent of these components, so this is a great natural barrier to spray.
One more choice is to sprinkle crushed bay leaves in rat-spotted locations. Rats will search for food elsewhere after trying to eat the bay leaves but find the flavour unpleasant.
- Promote Neighbourhood Practices of Excellence
Control of rodents is a collective activity as much as a personal one. The actions of your neighbours can affect the rodent count in your neighbourhood, even if you follow all the correct procedures.
Talk to your neighbours and inspire them to follow like-minded preventative actions, including eliminating food sources from their gardens, implementing effective trash management, and rodent-proofing their doors.
A community unified against rodents is significantly less likely to suffer from infestations. Furthermore, it’s always fantastic to build positive rapport with the folks living around you, especially when addressing a shared issue like rodents!
Conclusion
Keeping rodents away doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or endless traps. With these natural methods, you can protect your home while keeping things eco-friendly.
Whether it’s sealing up entry points, planting some mint, or setting up a rat-proof bird feeder, maintaining a rodent-free zone can be simple and a bit creative!
However, if the problem persists or you want peace of mind, a rat control service can handle the tricky stuff. After all, it’s always nice to have some expert backup to ensure those pesky invaders stay out for good!