Pest control experts have revealed the natural scents that rats and mice cannot stand, which may help keep them away from homes and gardens. Infestations of mice and rats are more prevalent during the winter months, as these creatures search for food, shelter and warmth. This creates a significant problem for many households, so attempting to deter them is only part of the solution.
Why scent works against rodents
These rodents possess an extremely sensitive sense of smell, and due to their poor eyesight, their remaining senses must remain highly attuned. To keep pests at bay, using potent fragrances to 'overwhelm' their sense of smell may be all that's required.
Pest control specialists from Eliminated LTD have revealed a range of scents and aromas which both rats and mice detest, ensuring they remain far from your property.
Lavender and citrus as deterrents
According to the specialists, mice and rats "hate the smell of lavender", meaning a lavender-scented spray, essential oils, or even cultivating a lavender plant will help drive them away. Alternatively, you could prepare your own mixture by combining a quarter to half a cup of flowers per one-quarter cup of water in a spray bottle to repel mice from your property. This will require monthly replacement.
Lavender's essential oil contains compounds including linalool and linalyl acetate, which are recognised for having a soothing effect on humans. Critter Stop has also recommended positioning sachets of dried lavender in locations where mice are likely to gain entry.
Another powerful smell despised by rats and mice is citrus oil, which contains limonene, present in lemon, orange and grapefruit peel. Limonene can also be found as a flavouring agent in food, perfumes, medicines and cleaning products. According to experts, citrus oils such as lemon and orange are also "very effective at keeping rats and mice away" from an area or object. However, owing to the potency of citrus oils, it is advisable to dilute them with water prior to use.
Peppermint and chilli powder options
Peppermint is another powerful scent that can be used to drive rodents away. Peppermint contains menthol, which irritates the nasal cavities of mice and rats and leaves them disoriented. The experts noted that when mice encounter the smell of peppermint, they "associate it with danger and fear". Consequently, they'll "avoid areas" where it's present or attempt to "stay away from it" as much as possible.
Peppermint also happens to be one of the most widely used ingredients in homemade rodent repellents. Simply place a few drops onto cotton wool balls and position them in spots where mice are prone to hiding.
If you're seeking a cost-effective solution to rid your home of rodents, chilli powder is worth considering, as it's readily available in most supermarkets. The experts said: "This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of mice because it smells terrible to them and they won't stay around long enough for their sense of smell to become accustomed to it." To ensure this approach is successful, you'll need approximately two tablespoons of chilli powder per litre of water before decanting it into a spray bottle or hand sanitiser container when preparing the solution. Alternatively, you can scatter chilli powder in areas where you suspect mice may be present.
