Now that temperatures are warming up, you may notice some rats or mice scurrying in your garden as they tend to breed during the spring season so their numbers often increase at this time of the year. As spring is a key breeding season for them, they’re hungrier and looking for shelter for somewhere to nest.
They favour dark, protected areas to nest that are close to food and water, and this includes both indoor and outdoor spaces. Common nesting spots can include sheds, garages, underneath piles of debris, attics and behind appliances, and if they get into your home it can cost hundreds of pounds to remove. But experts say there is a simple solution to avoid this problem – and it’ll only cost you around 24p.
Experts say placing cloves of garlic around your home and garden can help to keep rats and mice away, sending them scurrying away to find a new nesting site instead.
Both rats and mice have a highly developed sense of smell and so they hate the smell of garlic, as it has a particularly pungent odour.
As such, placing cloves of garlic around your garden can act as a natural deterrent to keep the pests away – and prevent them from coming near your home.
Glen Peskett, DIY expert from Saxton Blades, explains: “Garlic is a favourite all around the world, it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare.
“Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented. These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home.
“Place garlic cloves around entry points in your home, where rodents are likely to poke their nose in. Remember, they’re most attracted to areas like your basements, garages, kitchens and even the loft, so ensure to place them near any cracks and doorways around the outside of your home.”
Experts recommend replacing the garlic regularly as its scent will diminish which can reduce its effectiveness over time. Crushed garlic leaves are also effective as these are particularly potent, while a homemade blend of water and garlic and spraying this around your garden can also work well as a rat and mice deterrent.
Fantastic Pest Control adds: “When exposed to garlic, rodents are likely to avoid the area, as the pungent scent overwhelms their keen sense of smell and interferes with their natural behaviour.
“Garlic’s repellent effect can be used in various ways to deter mice. Placing whole garlic cloves in entry points, behind furniture, and in areas where mice have been seen can help keep them at bay.
“Additionally, crushed garlic releases an even more potent aroma, making it an excellent option for creating a more powerful barrier. Mixing garlic with water and spraying it around problem areas is another effective method.”