Four simple ways to keep mice and rats away from your home

Rats and mice, with their poor vision, rely heavily on their keen sense of smell for survival.

To deter these pests, it's necessary to use potent scents that can "overpower" their sense of smell.

Pest control specialists at Eliminated LTD have revealed a list of odours that are anathema to rats and mice, ensuring they "stay away", reports the Express.

Lavender

One such scent is lavender. Mice and rats "hate the smell of lavender", so employing lavender-scented sprays or even better, cultivating a lavender plant, can naturally keep them at bay in your abode.

For a homemade repellent, mix a quarter to half a cup of lavender flowers with one-quarter cup of water in a spray bottle. Vigorously shake before each use and spritz surfaces in affected areas until moist but not excessively wet.

Refresh this concoction monthly to maintain its potency in repelling mice.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is hailed as "effective" in deterring rats and mice, who find the menthol scent off-putting. Mice perceive the aroma of this essential oil as a signal of danger and fear, prompting them to "avoid areas" where it's detected or to "stay away from it" as much as they can.

This essential oil is a popular choice for crafting homemade mouse repellents due to its strong odour that keeps mice at bay. To use, simply apply a few drops on cotton balls and position them in spots where mice are known to lurk.

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Citrus Oil

Another effective scent is citrus oil. Rats and mice detest the aroma of citrus oils due to the presence of limonene, a compound found in lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

Limonene is also a component of many household cleaning agents like soaps, detergents, and disinfectants, contributing to their fresh, clean scent. Citrus oils, particularly lemon and orange, are "very effective at keeping rats and mice away" from specific areas or items.

Citrus oils are potent and should be used with caution; diluting them with water is recommended before treating an area or object.

Chilli powder

Chilli powder serves as another excellent ingredient for DIY rat repellents, being "inexpensive and easy to obtain at most grocery stores". Mix roughly two tablespoons of chilli powder per litre of water, then transfer it into your spray bottle or hand sanitiser container.

Experts said: "This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of mice because it smells terrible to them and they won't stay around long enough for their sense of smell to become accustomed to it."

To use, just scatter some chilli powder in suspected mouse hotspots, like behind cupboards or beneath furniture.