Winter is coming – and so are the mice and rats.
Rodents often seek shelter indoors – in our homes – as temperatures fall. They’re looking for warmth, food, and nesting spots.
Unfortunately, they are pests rather than pets – and they can spread diseases and damage your property. But there are safe and cheap ways to deter them.
Rodents have a highly developed sense of smell – this helps them find food, avoid predators, and communicate with each other. However, we can also leverage this to our advantage – as there are some smells they just can’t stand.
Eucalyptus, for example, is a great mouse repellent. To make a DIY eucalyptus oil spray, mix two teaspoons of eucalyptus oil, one cup of water, and a couple of drops of liquid detergent.
Spray this around your home, especially areas where mice are likely to enter. Look for drains, cracks, and holes in walls, floorboards, skirting boards, etc.
Pest control experts say you should repeat this process once every week for optimal results. Other safe scents – such as chili oil or powder, lavender and mint – can also work.
Mice are said to truly detest lavender scent, so this can also be a good way to keep them at bay. In humans, it helps lower anxiety and improve sleep – which could be useful if you’re stressed about rodents.
Just pour 8 to 10 drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and leave it near possible entry points. Refresh with more lavender oil once the scent has worn off.
Similarly, scattering some chilli powder or a few drops of chilli oil around possible entry points can also help to get mice to set up camp elsewhere.
When it comes to mint, spearmint and peppermint are said to work well. Growing some in your garden could also help the front line of defence.
It’s worth trying out some of these methods now, as prevention is definitely better than the cure. Rodent infestations can be difficult to deal with, and the experts are likely to resort to sealing holes, setting traps, and leaving out poison.
