Rats and mice will ‘stay away’ from your home for good as they 'fear' this natural item

A mouse peeking out of a hole
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Getty))


Rats and mice have a heightened sense of smell due to their poor vision, which they rely on for survival. To deter these pests, households are advised to use strong scents that will "overpower" their olfactory senses.

Pest control experts at Eliminated LTD have shared several smells that rats and mice detest to ensure they "stay away". So, if you want to repel rats and mice from an area, households will need to use strong scents that will "overpower" their sense of smell. Here are four scents that can help keep them at bay.

Lavender

Mice and rats “hate the smell of lavender” so using a lavender-scented spray or, even better, growing a lavender plant will repel them from your home naturally.

Alternatively, you could make up your own solution by using a quarter to half a cup of flowers per one-quarter cup of water in a spray bottle to repel mice from your home.

Contemporary boho house decor. Wicker basket filled with lavender bandle on table. Cozy interior in ethnic eco style.
Rats and mice hate the smell of lavender -Credit:(Image: Getty)

Shake well before each use, then spray surfaces in affected areas until wet but not dripping wet with the solution. Replace this solution monthly to keep it fresh and effective at keeping mice away from your home.

Citrus oil

Rats and mice hate citrus oil smells because they contain limonene, which is found in lemons, oranges and grapefruits.

Limonene is also found in many cleaning products such as soaps, detergents and disinfectants. It is this chemical that makes these products smell so fresh and clean when you use them around your house.

Citrus oils such as lemon and orange are also “very effective at keeping rats and mice away” from an area or object.

However, because citrus oils are so strong, you should use them sparingly or dilute them with water before applying them to an area or object that needs treatment.

Bottle with essential oils, dropper with oil. Fresh oranges.
Rats and mice hate citrus oil smells because they contain limonene -Credit:(Image: Getty)

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is “effective” at keeping rats and mice away because they dislike the smell of menthol.

When mice come across the scent of this essential oil, they “associate it with danger and fear”. As a result, they’ll “avoid areas” where it’s present or try to “stay away from it” as much as possible.

This is one of the most common ingredients used to make homemade mouse repellent. The smell is strong enough to keep mice away from a specific area or object. Put a few drops on cotton balls, then place them in places where mice tend to hide.

Chilli powder

Chilli powder is another good option for making homemade rat repellents because it’s “inexpensive and easy to obtain at most grocery stores”.

You’ll need about two tablespoons of chilli powder per litre of water before adding it to your spray bottle or hand sanitiser container.

The experts explained: “This is an effective home remedy for getting rid of mice because it smells terrible to them and they won’t stay around long enough for their sense of smell to become accustomed to it.”

Simply sprinkle some chilli powder in areas where you suspect there may be mice, such as behind cupboards or under furniture.