Pest control professionals agree that sealing entry points with steel wool — a product costing as little as £1.08 — is the most effective first step to keep rats and mice out of homes. The advice comes as October marks the start of peak rodent season across the UK, when falling temperatures and dwindling food supplies push pests indoors.
Signs of a rodent problem
Sophie Thorogood, Technical Training Manager at Pelsis, identified key indicators of an infestation: gnawing or damage to buildings, wires, food and packaging; droppings; nesting material or burrows; hair; tracks indoors or outdoors; and noise such as movement, scratching or gnawing.
She explained: "Rats and mice normally peak in autumn and winter as they want to exploit the buildings and food humans provide to escape harsher conditions. However, they are present all year round, with higher breeding activity usually occurring in the summer."
Steel wool as the top recommendation
Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control, was among the professionals who suggested stocking up on steel wool, available at most supermarkets or hardware stores. He said: "Both rats and mice can squeeze through holes as small as a coin, so even the smallest gaps shouldn't be overlooked. Regularly check around your home for openings and seal them using methods such as expanding foam, door sweeps or by stuffing holes with steel wool or copper mesh."
Rodents can cause severe damage to homes, including gnawing on cables hidden behind walls or floorboards, which exposes wires and poses serious fire hazards. According to UK fire statistics, rodents cause thousands of electrical fires each year. If left undetected, this can lead to major electrical faults or even void home insurance policies in the event of a fire.
Scent deterrents and cleanliness
Luke Newnes, a gardening expert at Hillarys, recommended natural scents as an effective deterrent. He said: "Strong scents are a very effective and completely natural deterrent. Peppermint oil is my go-to: I soak cotton pads in it and place them near doorways, sheds, or anywhere I've seen droppings or gnaw marks. Rats and mice really dislike that strong menthol smell. Clove oil and eucalyptus oil work in a similar way, and they're all inexpensive."
Keeping a spotless and organised home with no accessible food is also essential.
What to do if you spot a rodent
Mosh Latifi, co-owner at EcoCare Pest Management, advised acting immediately. He said: "Act immediately rather than hoping the problem resolves itself. A single mouse or rat is almost never alone. Bait traps placed along walls and in corners, where rodents run rather than in open spaces, are the most effective DIY solution."
For rats, professional treatment is strongly advisable as they are more cautious than mice, and bait needs to be positioned strategically. Dead rodents should not be handled without gloves and should be disposed of in a sealed bag in an outdoor bin.
