As we move into autumn and temperatures start to fall, rats and mice begin looking for reliable sources of food, shelter and warmth. Unfortunately, our homes and businesses can provide all three.
At this time of year, we see plenty of advice online about ways to deter rodents naturally. Peppermint oil, vinegar, eucalyptus, cinnamon and even citrus are regularly suggested as smells that rats and mice dislike.
But do they actually work?
The short answer is that a strong smell might make a particular area less appealing for a while, but if a rat or mouse has access to food, warmth and somewhere safe to shelter, a nice-smelling cotton wool ball isn’t going to solve the bigger problem.
The Better Question: Why Are Rats or Mice Coming In?
Rather than asking what smell will keep rodents away, the first thing we would look at is why they are able to get into the property in the first place.
Rats and mice are incredibly good at exploiting weaknesses in buildings. Gaps around pipework, damaged vents, poorly fitting doors, holes in external walls and problems within drainage systems can all provide routes inside.
Mice, in particular, can get through surprisingly small gaps.
Once inside, readily available food makes a property even more attractive. Pet food, bird seed, poorly stored dry goods, overflowing bins and commercial food waste can all provide an easy meal.
So, while a strong scent might temporarily discourage a rodent from using one particular route, it doesn’t remove the reason it is there.
It may simply find another way around.
What Smells Are Supposed to Deter Rats and Mice?
Peppermint is probably the best-known natural rodent deterrent, but you will also see recommendations for strong-smelling substances including:
- Eucalyptus
- Vinegar
- Tea tree
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
Rodents rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings and find food, so it makes sense that particularly strong scents may make certain areas less attractive.
The important word, however, is deter. These shouldn’t be considered a treatment for an established rat or mouse infestation. And if you’re using essential oils or other household products, always consider whether they are appropriate for your particular home, especially around children and pets.
What Actually Helps Keep Rats and Mice Out?
This is where prevention and professional proofing make a much bigger difference.
Start outside. Walk around your property and look carefully at the building rather than waiting until you hear scratching inside. And ask yourself:
– Are there gaps around pipes?
– Are air bricks damaged?
– Do external doors close properly?
– Is there a hole beneath a kitchen unit where services enter the property?
– Are bins secure?
– Is bird food regularly being left on the ground?
– Could rodents be accessing the property through the drains?
The aim is to make the property physically harder to enter while also reducing the things encouraging rodents to stay nearby.
At ASW, this is an important part of how we approach rodent problems. It’s not simply about dealing with the rat or mouse you have seen. We want to establish how it got there.
What If You Already Have Rats or Mice?
If you’ve already found droppings, heard scratching in walls or ceilings, discovered gnawed packaging or actually seen a rat or mouse, we’d recommend getting the problem investigated rather than relying on deterrents.
The visible signs may only tell you part of the story.
A professional inspection can help establish the extent of the activity, identify likely entry points and determine the most appropriate way to bring the infestation under control.
Once the immediate problem has been dealt with, proofing can then help reduce the chances of it happening again.
Don’t Forget About Your Drains
One potential route into properties that isn’t always obvious is the drainage system.
Rats are excellent swimmers and can travel through sewer and drainage networks before exploiting weaknesses that allow them into a building.
Where drainage is identified as the route, ASW can advise on appropriate measures and, where suitable, install a Ratflap to help prevent rats travelling back towards the property through the pipework.
It is another reason why simply putting down a trap or trying a household deterrent may not solve the underlying problem.
Prevention Beats Peppermint
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make your property less attractive to rodents, and some strong smells may provide a temporary deterrent.
But we’d never recommend relying on them as your main form of rat or mouse control.
The best defence is a combination of good housekeeping, removing accessible food sources, identifying entry points and effective rodent proofing.
And September is a particularly good time to do it.
As colder weather approaches, rats and mice will increasingly look towards buildings for shelter. Taking action now can help prevent them from making your property their winter home.
Worried About Rats or Mice?
If you’ve spotted signs of rodents or simply want to make sure your property is better protected ahead of autumn and winter, contact ASW Pest Control.
Our experienced technicians can investigate rat and mouse activity, identify potential access points and advise on treatment, proofing and longer-term prevention.
For homes and businesses across Wiltshire, we’re here to help you deal with the cause of the problem, not just the rat or mouse you happen to see. Contact ASW Pest Control today to arrange a visit or speak to our team for advice.
