Spring has arrived, and while everyone is excited about the hot weather, it also means rodents will become more active. Mice and rats are more likely to come out in springtime as it is the start of their breeding season, and they will seek out warm homes as they are safe environments to reproduce.
It is important to deal with these pests now before they become full-blown infestations, but there is a safer and more humane way to get rid of them rather than using poison. Tim Travis, an expert from Goldner Walsh, has shared that you can make a pest repellent that mice and rats will naturally hate using hot pepper and other ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.
How does this natural repellent work?
Tom said: “Hot pepper animal repellent is a natural deterrent to keep unwanted animals and pests away from plants and garden areas. It combines the properties of both hot peppers (capsaicin) and dish soap to create a safe, cheap, and effective repellent.”
It may seem bizarre, but spicy herbs and hot sauces contain a compound called capsaicin, which rodents cannot tolerate and causes a strong burning sensation in their noses.
Rodents have extremely sensitive noses, and spicy scents cause them a lot of discomfort, which instinctively makes them want to avoid an area with hot peppers in the future.
This homemade rodent repellant uses washing-up liquid to help the capsaicin stick to a surface much longer, so you do not have to apply this solution as often.
Tom added: “Hot pepper repellents are often favoured because they’re natural and environmentally friendly. They don’t contain synthetic chemicals that might harm the environment or residual in garden produce. However, caution should still be exercised when handling and applying.”
Method
All you need to do is mix one part water, one part white vinegar, 220g of cayenne pepper powder, and one part hot sauce in a container. Then, stir and leave it overnight so it is thoroughly mixed together.
The next day, put on gloves, strain the mixture through a cloth and add the washing-up liquid. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when handling the spicy mixture.
Then, fill an empty spray bottle with half white vinegar and half the homemade rodent repellent.
White vinegar has a sharp, acidic smell, which also helps repel rodents. It also removes other scents that can attract rodents, like food, to discourage them from entering an area, making this deterrent more effective.
Spray the solution around a room you suspect rodents are getting into and keep it in the fridge so it remains potent. Use it up within a week; otherwise, it will not be as powerful.
