Spotting a rodent darting across your kitchen floor or hiding in the corners of your shed can be alarming, as it often signifies a bigger pest control problem. As temperatures drop in autumn, rats and mice are more likely to invade homes in search of warmth and food, making the cooler months peak infestation season.
Luckily, preventing these pests doesn’t have to mean resorting to harsh chemicals or inhumane traps. Unbeknownst to many, homeowners can actually use fragrant alternatives that can be introduced into the home with ease – some of which are already found in many cupboards or gardens. An expert from Earth Kind explained: “Mice dislike strong, fresh odours. They tend to overwhelm rodents and their sense of smell, which scares them off.”
How to deter rats and mice from the home naturally
Lavender
The most effective natural deterrent is lavender, a familiar scent to many but a nightmare for rodents, as the expert explained: “Mice can find the strong floral scent of lavender overwhelming and unpleasant.”
Place dried lavender sachets inside drawers, cupboards, or near food storage. Keep lavender plants in the kitchen or other high-risk areas, and plant them outdoors near entry points to block rats and mice from coming inside.
Vinegar
Often used for natural cleaning, vinegar is another item rodents can’t tolerate. The expert stated: “The sharp, acrid smell of vinegar solutions can cause pests to avoid areas where it is used.”
Create a spray by combining vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Apply it to baseboards, under sinks, around rubbish bins, or anywhere rodent activity has been suspected.
Cinnamon
Autumn’s favourite fragrance, cinnamon, is more than just a comforting seasonal scent, as “the strong, spicy scent of cinnamon can overwhelm a rodent’s strong sense of smell.”
Use cinnamon-scented candles, place cinnamon sticks in problem areas, or soak cotton balls in cinnamon oil for a natural repellent that also leaves your home smelling festive and fresh.