Gardeners will be spending less time outdoors now that the weather is getting colder, but in early autumn, it is crucial to stay alert as rats and mice are likely moving into gardens. Late September to early October is when rodents begin searching for a new shelter, and will go into sheds, leaf piles or even a compost heap to find somewhere warm. If you do not scare rats and mice away now, then they will settle in a garden for the whole of winter, and might even go into homes to find more food once they begin breeding.
Poison should not be used in autumn as gardens support a large number of animals at this time of year, and it could kill hedgehogs, birds and even neighbourhood cats. Instead, it is better to use a more natural method at this early stage, and Angelo, an expert from Deep Green Permaculture, has revealed rodents will stay away if you spray chilli powder around your garden.
Angelo explained: “Capsaicin, the compound found in chilli peppers responsible for their heat, acts as an irritant to mammals, such as humans and rodents, making it an effective deterrent.”
It might sound a little strange, but chilli peppers contain a spicy compound called capsaicin which mice and rats are known to hate because it really irritates their noses.
Rodents have an incredibly strong sense of smell, and capsaicin will cause an uncomfortable sensation and it will easily overwhelm them.
Using this spice will make it difficult for rats and mice to find any food and sniff out predators so they will not feel safe in the area.
Chilli peppers are a natural way to deal with rodents early before they become a full blown infestation and will encourage them to move on before they settle in a garden.
How to turn chillies into a rodent repellent
You will need:
- Chilli peppers
- Washing up liquid
- Gloves
- Empty spray bottle
- Blender
Instructions:
To begin, put on a pair of gloves before dealing with spice. Chop up your peppers, then place them in a blender with 480ml of water. Make sure to use fresh peppers rather than a powdered chilli as they will be more potent, and therefore more effective.
Blitz until you have a smooth liquid, then place in a pot and let it boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, and once the time is up, set the liquid aside until it has cooled down.
It is important to boil the liquid as it will extract the capsaicin from the chillies. Once cool, stain the liquid through a colander to remove any remaining solid particles.
Place the liquid in an empty spray bottle, and then add a few drops of washing up liquid. Soap will help the solution cling to surfaces so the smell stays for a long time in the area.
Spray the solution around fences, walls, or any possible shelters like a shed. Reapply the solution twice a week or after it has rained, and it should frighten away any rodents so they stay out of your garden.
