With mouse sightings on the rise as the colder weather approaches, homeowners are being encouraged to act quickly to protect their properties. Instead of relying on traps, poison or harsh chemicals, Brits are being advised to use one popular bathroom item to deter these pests—but it’s not vinegar.
According to The Spruce, pest control experts recommend using Epsom Salts to deter mice from entering your property. While it may sound like an unusual option, Epsom salt offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution – unlike rodent poison, which can be expensive to purchase and dangerous to other living creatures you may want to protect.
How can Epsom salts repel mice?
Epsom salt is a mineral compound made of magnesium and sulfate. It has been used as a natural remedy to promote health and well-being, ease pain, and alleviate stress. However, it can also help deter garden and house pests.
According to the Spruce, “Epsom salt has a bitter scent and can be deterring to mice.” Simply, sprinkle the salt around the outside of your home, but most importantly at the entry points.
The household experts continued: “You can also fill a bowl with the salt and let it sit in rooms where you suspect mice. Bonus: Epsom salt has an unappealing smell to other pests, such as squirrels.”
Rodent specialists at Pest Check urge people to remember that Epsom salt is most effective when used alongside other strategies, like setting traps.
How effective is this method?
Homeowners who live in areas where snowfall and moisture are common may find that Epsom salt loses its effectiveness faster because water can easily dissolve it. This reduces its ability to form a protective boundary, according to Seth Stenner, an experienced snow removal expert who spoke to Pest Check.
Seth recommends reapplying the salt regularly after wet conditions or combining it with other methods. Specialists at Pest Check also warn that this technique is not 100% effective: “Because rats can smell the salt, there’s no guarantee that they won’t find a way to get around the barrier.
“Furthermore, while the salt won’t harm other living things when sprinkled outside, it’s still a good idea to avoid using it indoors or near edibles. For these reasons, some people prefer to use alternative strategies.
“There are several natural scents that rodents hate, such as peppermint oil, cinnamon, vinegar, citronella, ammonia, bleach and mothballs. Just be sure to read the product label for safety tips before use and follow all instructions accordingly.”