As temperatures drop, rats and mice are more likely to head indoors in search of warmth and food. An expert says a few five-minute jobs, from sealing entry points to properly storing food, can help keep rodents out without relying on poison or harsh traps.
Rodents are increasingly likely to venture into properties as the weather cools and vegetation withers. Most people are reluctant to use poisonous pellets or cruel traps, which can pose a serious risk to pets and young children.
Jamie Jones, a property and garden expert at Open Space Concepts, has outlined five-minute tasks worth tackling now that could help prevent a rat or mouse infestation from taking hold.
Add chicken wire and plant herbs around the garden
The garden is the best place to start, as rodents are typically drawn first to crops or exposed food at bird feeders before eventually finding their way indoors.
Jamie said: "Any outdoor spaces also need to be protected from rodents and other pests, as they can negatively affect your lawn and any crops. Adding sturdy fencing and chicken wire is a great way to deter rodents from even entering your garden.
"It is also a good idea to add netting or a chicken wire fence around any pergolas or outdoor seating areas to stop pests from entering these areas."
A natural approach to keeping rats away from your garden is to plant strongly scented flowers and herbs, as rodents have highly sensitive noses and are readily put off by certain aromas.
Jamie said: "Additionally, adding netting around any fruit trees or vegetable crops can help protect them from animals. Planting repellent plants, such as lavender, mint, and rosemary, will also help to deter rodents and other pests."
Seal up food and store it correctly
Rodents will enter homes in search of food during winter and remain in locations with a reliable food source. Ensure food isn't left exposed on worktops, isn't left in bin bags for extended periods, and that any crumbs on the floor are cleaned up each day.
Jamie said: "If you keep food in drawers and cupboards, make sure that any bags of produce, such as rice and potatoes, are sealed using a clip or put into an airtight container.
"Furthermore, make sure other foods, such as bread and cheese, are securely stored and not left out for rodents to get at."
Seal up any nooks and crannies around the house
Mice can squeeze through gaps roughly the size of a pencil, while rats can access an opening approximately the size of a two-pence penny, so it's crucial to check for any small cracks in your property that they might be using to gain entry.
Jamie said: "The first step you should do is to inspect both your home and any garden rooms you may have for gaps and holes; rodents and insects can creep through the tiniest of crevices.
"This may involve needing to reseal around windows, adding rubber seals to exterior doors, and in some cases plastering up gaps in walls."
Be sure to examine gaps beneath doors or around window frames, and check roof vents, gutters and chimneys, as rodents can access attics through these entry points.
Use essential oils and houseplants as deterrents
Rodents are highly sensitive to certain scents, so using essential oils or keeping houseplants can help deter them. Pungent items can help mask food odours and may convince rodents they're under threat if they cannot identify the source of an unfamiliar strong smell.
Jamie said: "Essential oils, including peppermint oil and lemon oil, and plants such as lavender and bay leaves will help to deter rodents; aroma diffusers and essential oils are affordable and have plenty of added benefits aside from keeping rodents away."
It's worth noting that certain essential oils and houseplants can prove highly toxic to pets, so ensure you conduct thorough research before introducing them into a household with animals.
Should you encounter multiple rodents in your property or notice them appearing regularly, it's advisable to contact a pest control service for guidance, as you could be dealing with an infestation.
Jamie said: "Even with all these tips and tricks, pests may remain and still be successful in gaining access to your home. At this point, it is likely that you'll need to bring in the professionals. Pest exterminators may be able to find issues you couldn't and are likely to have more specialist equipment."
