Protect your home from rats with one ingredient after warning of 'dog-sized' rodents in the UK

Rat on the floor
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


If you're already terrified of regular-sized rats, prepare yourself for the giant ones. This year, experts have warned that rodents are now growing to the size of 'small dogs', a chilling revelation that might make you feel like you're living in a horror film.

Feeding on our discarded 'KFC' and leftover takeaway boxes, a Mirror exclusive suggested these pesky creatures are bulking up on protein, with their stomachs and appetites only getting larger. But before you consider packing your bags and leaving the UK, take a look at this advice.

Nikura, a UK-based fragrant oil company, swears by a surprising ingredient to halt rodents in their tracks. And the best part? It smells heavenly.

"Many sources have revelled in the success of peppermint oil as a chemical-free rat repellent for centuries, with a 2010 review confirming these effects alongside a number of other essential oils in a controlled environment," experts at the firm wrote in a blog.

"Due to the rodents' natural sensory systems rats are highly sensitive animals that can be deterred by even the slightest potent scent. Like many essential oils, peppermint not only contains an extremely powerful aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats in particular tend to despise."

Madame Sweat, a TikToker known for her home and body hygiene tips, has suggested using peppermint oil to deter mice. In a recent video, she advised viewers to apply the oil to small wool balls and distribute them around the house.

"So, if you don't want to set traps, you just want the mice to stay away, you want to use peppermint essential oil," she explained. "But here's the trick. Don't put the peppermint oil on cotton balls, people recommend that, it'll just evaporate.

"Wool holds the smell of essential oils much longer. Think of your wool coat, it picks up the fragrance that you're wearing and it stays on your coat. So, wool is the best fabric to hold essential oils. And actually, you can even use them to sense your closets."

Despite this, it's worth noting that peppermint oil isn't suitable to use around pets, as it is generally toxic to dogs and cats. So, for those in need of a different solution, Gareth Davies, an expert at Pest and Property Solutions, previously told the Mirror that it's worth re-assessing your food storage and cleaning habits if you're concerned about rats.

"I think it's about being sensible and not leaving stuff out on the countertops," the Cardiff-based expert said. "When they get into your property and crawl over food services, the bacteria they spread is horrendous. Eighty percent of rats come from the sewers - we all know what's in the sewers."

Taking rubbish to the dump is key for rat-proofing too Gareth insisted, while also sealing any dubious cracks in the walls. He added: "If there's a hole you can see, crush up some broken glass and seal it with cement."

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