Rodents are more likely to enter homes in October as temperatures drop, but a cheap household item—fabric dryer sheets—can help keep them away. The experts at Emergency Pest Control 24/7 have shared that stuffing dryer sheets in areas where rodents are known to nest can deter them.
Why Dryer Sheets Work
Mice and rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to survive and assess if an area is safe. The strong perfume scent of fabric softener sheets overwhelms their senses, making them avoid treated areas. Unfamiliar smells can signal potential threats, scaring rodents away.
Strong artificial scents can also disrupt their ability to sniff out food, so rodents will likely move on quickly to find somewhere easier to forage. Dryer sheets are more of a temporary measure, but they are best used now in autumn when rodents are trying to nest and are more likely to move on quickly.
How to Use Dryer Sheets
Rodents tend to shelter in dark, undisturbed areas of your home where they can stay warm, so these are the best places to put dryer sheets. Place them at the back of cupboards, along any cracks in a skirting board, or behind big appliances like washing machines. If you have a shed or attic, place them there too.
Replace the dryer sheets after a week or when the scent starts to fade. However, rats and mice tend to nest in places with easy access to food, so make sure you seal your food, clean up crumbs, and don't leave dirty dishes in your kitchen for too long. Rodents can also squeeze into very tiny gaps, so it will help to stuff steel wool into any gaps or cracks around your home when you have time.
