Pest control experts have recommended a natural way to keep rats and mice away from your home for good
Anyone who is struggling with rats coming near their home is being advised to get rid of them with a certain smell that ‘overwhelms’ them. The long-tailed rodents are renowned for their destructive habits such as gnawing on cables, raiding food supplies and transmitting diseases.
Pest control experts are now recommending an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals to deter these unwelcome houseguests. Cinnamon has been touted by Pest Pointers as an effective natural deterrent.
The spice’s robust scent, primarily the compound cinnamaldehyde, is said to “overwhelm their sensitive sense of smell.”
The experts noted: “The spicy smell can irritate the sensitive noses of rats and mice, so they’ll avoid areas where the cinnamon powder is present.
“If you’re trying to keep rats at bay while also keeping your home chemical-free, this simple and natural solution could be your new best friend.”
Pest Pointers also explained that cinnamon powder, when scattered in rodent hotspots, can cause rats to abandon the premises permanently to escape its potent odour. To deter rodents, they advise sprinkling cinnamon lightly around potential ingress points to “create an uninviting environment” for them, reports the Express.
A “powerful” method involves using cinnamon essential oil – by soaking cotton balls in the oil and positioning them strategically at entry zones, under sinks or adjacent to baseboards.
This clever hack can be effective, but it’s important to note that whichever type of cinnamon you choose will need frequent replacement to maintain a strong enough scent to deter rodents.
While it’s not essential, combining cinnamon with other natural remedies like peppermint, mint, and lavender oils could boost its effectiveness in repelling rats and mice.
These aromatic oils not only “make your home smell delightful while sending rats packing” but also offer a pleasant alternative to traditional pest control methods. For those looking to really spice things up, cayenne pepper and clove essential oils are potent options.
Rats have a particular aversion to these intense, spicy aromas, and just a hint of cayenne pepper or clove oil is likely to send them “turning tail and running in the opposite direction”.