In the proverbial list of pests you don’t want invading your home, chances are that rats and rodents are among the top five. It’s not always the best to keep rat poison out and hope for the best. The poison itself is fatal for children and pets of any kind, so it’s best not to leave it around. Instead, here are some home remedies for rats and the menace they are, to get the ball rolling on your DIY pest control project:
Home Remedies for Rats #1: Remove Clutter and Stored Foods
Rats like nothing more than hidey-holes they can camp out in and stored foods to dine on. As a preventative cure, it’s ideal to keep clutter out of the way as they form cosy spots for rats. Keep food in sealed containers, instead of bags or sacks, and tightly close your garbage can lids. If you have pets, don’t leave their food and water bowls out at night, especially if half-full, since this will only attract more rats.
Home Remedies for Rats #2: Use Peppermint Oil
Although pleasant-smelling and very festive for humans, peppermint oil actually releases a potent scent that disturbs rats. Take advantage of this fact by dipping cotton balls in peppermint oil and leaving them at likely entry points or hidey-holes. Using this essential oil could be an expensive option. However, wouldn’t you rather have a pleasant smell around the house than the nasty scent of rat repellent? This trick will also likely prevent rats from using the entry points. As a result, you will have enough time to get to the next point in home remedies for rats.
Home Remedies for Rats #3: Seal Cracks and Crevices
House mice and rats, though seeming big, are able to fit through cracks in the wall. A preventative measure — and good enough cure — is to seal off all visible cracks and crevices in the wall, whether concrete, tile or drywall. With this trick, you’re likely to prevent rodents from entering your home in the first place. It also helps to check drainage points, especially in apartments. This becomes necessary as rats can climb in through the sewers in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Home Remedies for Rats #4: Use Mouse Bait Stations
Mouse bait stations allow you to place the bait (cheese, crackers, a spoon of rice) inside a tamper-proof box that’s then closed and kept in strategic places. When the rat enters, the bait traps it but keeps it in the box. This also makes it easy to dispose of the rodent without having to don gloves and protective masks. If going down the rat poison route, you can still use mouse bait stations. However, it’s not the ideal option if you have inquisitive toddlers or small furry pets like rabbits or, well, mice.
Rodents aren’t just off-putting, they’re also very dangerous to household electrical systems and drywall. Of course, they’re also detrimental to your health. Get rid of them in the safest way possible with these home remedies for rats! Read this too: How to Get Rid of Ants at Home.
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