If you come across rats and mice in your home, you know you’ll be in panic mode. If you see them, then it’s a problem, and if you don’t, it’s a bigger problem – you never know where they might be hiding in your home. Rat and mouse infestation can make your life miserable. Plus, these creatures also carry a risk of infectious diseases. You don’t want that, right? So, it’s best to try something soon to get rid of these pests. There are many ways to get rid of these pests from your home, but there are also home remedies you can try – simple and effective.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Rats and Mice
The presence of rats and mice can be understood by various signs. They often leave a lot of droppings around the house. They even chew your boxes and clothes, or any edible product if left open. Therefore, it is crucial to identify these pests and hunt them down. Read on to follow these few remedies that will teach you how to get rid of mice naturally.
- Peppermint oil
Rats do not like the smell of peppermint oil. We find the smell of peppermint refreshing, but rats don’t – so use peppermint oil to keep them out of your home. Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in front of several small openings in your home to keep rats at bay.
Plaster of Paris and cocoa powder
Plaster of Paris and cocoa powder also work to kill rats and mice. Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with plaster of Paris and sprinkle around the standard rat and mouse runway. As the cocoa powder attracts these pests, they tend to eat this mixture and soon they feel dehydrated and suffocated. To save themselves, they rush out of their homes and die.
Hot pepper flakes
Chilli flakes not only make humans sneeze, but also keep rats and mice away. Sprinkle chili pepper along doorways and other corners of your home to get rid of vermin.
Onions
Placing onions around small holes and openings while making sure these bulbs are replaced every couple of days can keep rats out of your home. The pungent smell of onions will soon drive them away.
Garlic bulb
Since rats don’t like a strong smell, you need to make full use of this rat attribute to drive them away. Mixing chopped garlic with water and sprinkling it around your house or even spreading garlic cloves in the path of their regular trail can keep them away.
- Potato powder
Using instant potato powder also works to drive away rats and mice. As you sprinkle this powder around the house, the rats and mice will then go around, following the trail and feeding on the tasty treat. When the powder enters their bodies, these potato flakes then swell up in the gut and eventually kill them.
Cloves
Wrap cloves in muslin cloths and place them near the rat holes. The smell of cloves will be enough to get rid of them from your house without much effort.
Ammonia spray
Make an easy-to-use ammonia spray. Spray ammonia on small cotton balls and place them near rat holes, walkways and other corners of your home. The smell of ammonia will make them feel smothered and they will soon run out of your home to save their lives.
Laurel Leaves
The aroma of bay leaves attracts rats and they tend to think of it as their food. However, when they try to feed on it, they choke and eventually die. So, place bay leaves in the corners of your house and kill these annoying pests.
Crack control
Rats are relatively larger while mice can fit into crevices as small as an inch wide. Therefore, it is crucial to locate these small openings and seal them all. Do not leave any nooks or crannies unsealed. Making sure all crevices are blocked is a good way to prevent invasion.
