As summer approaches, the risk of rats and mice invading gardens and homes rises sharply. Their breeding season peaks, driving them to seek food and shelter, often in residential properties. Ignoring early signs can lead to a full infestation, costly pest control, and health risks from diseases carried by rodents.
Garlic: A 22p Deterrent
DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades recommends garlic as a simple, cheap repellent. A four-pack of garlic bulbs costs just 87p at Asda, working out at roughly 22p per bulb. Peskett explains: "Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare."
Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. The sulfur compounds in garlic overwhelm their olfactory system, causing disorientation. Peskett adds: "These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home."
How to Use Garlic Effectively
Place garlic cloves near entry points where rodents are likely to enter, such as basements, garages, kitchens, and lofts. Position them close to gaps and doorways on the exterior of your home. Garlic oil, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar can also be effective deterrents.
However, repellents alone are not a complete solution. Remove clutter to eliminate hiding spots and nesting sites. Secure bins with tight lids, dispose of rubbish regularly, and clean up spills immediately to reduce food sources. Inspect your property for openings, especially below doors and around vents, and seal even tiny holes that rats and mice can squeeze through.
By combining garlic with good hygiene and exclusion measures, you can keep your garden rodent-free this summer without expensive pest control.
