Rats and mice are an unfortunate pest to attract in your home, but they may be easy to deter (Image: Getty)
Discovering a pest infestation in your home or garage can be a nightmare, leading to property damage, unsightly droppings and potential health risks. However, homeowners can do a few things to combat this issue.
If you have seen some tell-tale signs of and are wondering what to do, one pest expert has shared everything you need to know to stay on top of the problem. Alastair Mayne, Chief Operating Officer at Garolla, has shared some natural, humane tips for . He said: “If you want an easy way to discourage pests from your home, you can use different essential oils or ingredients to deter them.”
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You can keep rats away with this cheap kitchen ingredient (Image: Getty)
Alistair continued: “For example, rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, vinegar, and garlic. Scattering black pepper around entry points to your property will also irritate their noses and stop them from entering.”
Ground black pepper is best for this as it is easy to sprinkle and often cheaper. 100g of it costs £1.80 in Tesco, or 55 g costs 79p in Sainsbury’s.
According to Buzz Boss pest control, black pepper is “a potent rat repellent” as it contains piperine. Piperine stimulates the pain receptors of rats and other mammals, causing them to sneeze, cough, and “scurry away.”
A cluttered space is an ideal habitat for a rat, especially in garages where items such as furniture, boxes or debris may be stored. So, Alistair recommends having a clear-out to keep spaces neat and tidy.
A cluttered garage could attract mice and rats (Image: Getty)
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Maintaining cleanliness with regular cleaning is essential for general hygiene and helps make your property less appealing to rats and other pests. Factors such as spills, rubbish or odours can attract rats.
Even seemingly insignificant issues, like failing to clean your pets’ food and water bowls daily, can draw pests into your home. Therefore, regular rubbish disposal and securing food sources are key preventative measures.
By disposing of waste properly, cleaning up spills promptly and maintaining clean surfaces, you can create a less appealing environment to pests.
The pest control expert also suggested that homeowners be mindful of water sources. Rats are drawn to damp, dark areas such as basements or garages.
Like all living beings, they need water to survive and are known to seek out leaky pipes, birdbaths, and drains.
If your property has leaking drainpipes, it would be wise to repair them promptly to prevent rats from infiltrating the systems.
If rats or other pests infiltrate your property, locate their entry point and seal it securely to prevent re-entry. This can be achieved using mesh, screens or sealant.
Monitoring vents and gaps under doors is crucial, as many pests, particularly rats and mice, can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.