Five-minute tasks to stop rats and mice invading your home without using poison

It's important to keep mice and other rodents out of your home
-Credit: (Image: PA)


The sight of a mouse or rat darting around our homes is something we all fear.

As the weather turns chillier, these rodents are more likely to seek warmth within houses exploiting any gaps they can find for shelter.

And they will be on the hunt for food as vegetation withers in the winter months. However, there are several straightforward measures you can take to prevent them from entering your home, reports the Manchester Evening News.

READ MORE:Newcastle's shocking 'long-term' plans unearthed and idea Kevin Keegan refused to believe in

READ MORE:Tickets details as Sunderland host England's opening match of Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

These are humane alternatives - options other than poisonous pellets or harsh traps which pose risks, particularly if you have pets or children at home. Jamie Jones, a property and garden expert at Open Space Concepts, has offered some quick tasks worth undertaking now to avoid infestations.

1. Install chicken wire and plant herbs around the garden

Starting in the garden is advisable as rodents are likely to first be drawn to any crops or exposed food in birdfeeders, before eventually finding their way into a house. Jamie stated: "Any outdoor spaces also need to be protected from rodents and other pests, as they can negatively affect your lawn and any crops.

"Adding sturdy fencing and chicken wire is a great way to deter rodents from even entering your garden. It is also a good idea to add netting or a chicken wire fence around any pergolas or outdoor seating areas to stop pests from entering these areas."

To naturally repel rats from entering your garden, consider planting herbs and flowers with strong scents; rodents can't stand certain odours due to their sensitive noses. Jamie explained: "Additionally, adding netting around any fruit trees or vegetable crops can help protect them from animals. Planting repellent plants, such as lavender, mint, and rosemary, will also help to deter rodents and other pests."

2. Seal up food and store it correctly

When it comes to keeping rodents away from indoor areas, sealing up food is crucial. Rodents are often attracted into homes by accessible food sources and will remain if the supply is constant.

Ensure that food isn't left unsealed on countertops, do not allow rubbish bags to sit for long periods, and be vigilant about cleaning up crumbs every day.

Jamie advised: "If you keep food in drawers and cupboards, make sure that any bags of produce, such as rice and potatoes, are sealed using a clip or put into an airtight container. Furthermore, make sure other foods, such as bread and cheese, are securely stored and not left out for rodents to get at."

3.Seal up any nooks and crannies around the house

To reduce the likelihood of a rodent invasion, ensure all potential entry points around the house are sealed off.

Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a pencil, while rats need only a gap the size of a two-pence coin to infiltrate homes, highlighting the importance of checking for any minor cracks that could serve as entry points. Jamie advised: "The first step you should do is to inspect both your home and any garden rooms you may have for gaps and holes; rodents and insects can creep through the tiniest of crevices.

"This may involve needing to reseal around windows, adding rubber seals to exterior doors, and in some cases plastering up gaps in walls."

He also emphasised the necessity of examining underdoor gaps or window frames and inspecting roof vents, gutters and chimneys, as these are common routes for rodents to access attics.

4. Use essential oils and houseplants as deterrents

Rodents' acute sensitivity to certain smells means that using essential oils or growing houseplants can be an effective strategy to keep them at bay. Strong odours can disguise food scents and make rodents feel threatened if they cannot identify the source.

Jamie remarked: "Essential oils, including peppermint oil and lemon oil, and plants such as lavender and bay leaves will help to deter rodents; aroma diffusers and essential oils are affordable and have plenty of added benefits aside from keeping rodents away."

However, he cautioned that some essential oils and houseplants can be toxic to pets, so it's crucial to research thoroughly before introducing them into a pet-inhabited home.

5. If all else fails....

If you notice multiple rodents in your home or frequently spot them, it's advisable to consult a pest control service for guidance, as you might be dealing with an infestation. Jamie stated: "Even with all these tips and tricks, pests may remain and still be successful in gaining access to your home.

"At this point, it is likely that you'll need to bring in the professionals. Pest exterminators may be able to find issues you couldn't and are likely to have more specialist equipment."