Do Natural Rat Repellents Work?

If you look up natural rat repellents, you’re sure to find hundreds of tips online. But, how effective are these DIY methods? On their own, they likely won’t do much to keep rodents out if there are things lying around your home that are attractive to rats and mice – or if you’re already dealing with an infestation. The most effective way to get rid of pests and keep them out long-term is to partner with a licensed exterminator.

Do natural rat repellents work in Georgia - Active Pest Control

Best Natural Mouse Repellents

Natural rat repellents aren’t the most reliable on their own. While they may have strong scents that are repulsive to rodents, these pests will likely bypass it anyway if your property is attractive enough. That said, some of the most common natural rodent repellents include:

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, or citronella
Vinegar and ammonia mixed in equal parts as a spray
Fragrant foods like garlic, onion, chili powder, or coffee grounds

How to Keep Rodents Out Naturally

Though most mouse or rat repellents aren’t very reliable on their own, that doesn’t mean you should immediately turn to pesticides. There are a lot of other steps you can take to keep pests out without using chemical solutions. Try using these tips to make your property less attractive to rodents:

Keep your landscape tidy: If rats are tearing up your yard, it won’t be long before they get indoors. To reduce hiding spaces and food sources, keep your landscape as neat and clean as possible. Pick up fallen fruit, mow regularly, and trim your vegetation back – especially near your home or building.
Clean thoroughly and regularly: Rodents will eat almost anything, so it’s important to keep your space clean and food-free. Store leftovers in airtight containers, keep trash in lidded bins, and clean up dirty dishes or spills immediately.
Close off potential entry points: When the weather gets cold, rats and mice will try to get indoors for warmth and shelter. Since they’re so small, they can squeeze through tiny entry points. Go around your space and look for any vulnerabilities such as cracks in your foundation, broken screens or roofing tiles, and exposed plumbing or electrical lines.
Reduce clutter on your property: Rats and mice love using things like paper, old cardboard, or scraps of fabric to build cozy nests. If you have a lot of unused items, such as old boxes in your basement, rodents may use the clutter to build a home inside of yours.

Best Way to Keep Rodents Away

Making your space less attractive and accessible to rodents significantly reduces your odds of fighting an infestation. You can also pair these tips with natural repellents or other DIY methods to get better results. However, if you want peace of mind against rodent infestations, consider working with a licensed exterminator like those at Active Pest Control. With their extensive training and experience, they know the best ways to keep pests out and can create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your property and needs.

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