Deter rats and mice in 5 minutes with simple home and garden fixes
A property expert has shared the straightforward 5-minute tasks that could help stop a rat or mouse infestation in its tracks
by Katherine McPhillips, Hannah Giacardi · ChronicleLiveSpotting a rat or mouse scurrying around your home can be quite unnerving, but there are simple steps you can take to prevent them from entering your property.
As the weather becomes colder, rodents are more likely to seek warmth and food in your home. Using toxic pellets or harsh traps may not be the best solution, especially if you have pets or children.
Jamie Jones, a property and garden specialist at Open Space Concepts, offers these quick tasks that could help ward off a rat or mouse infestation.
Firstly, focus on your garden. Rodents are attracted to any food available in your garden and may eventually find their way into your house.
"Outdoor spaces need to be safeguarded against rodents and other pests, as they can damage your lawn and crops. Installing robust fencing and chicken wire can discourage rodents from even entering your garden," suggests Jamie. "It's also wise to add netting or a chicken wire fence around any pergolas or outdoor seating.
"To naturally repel rats from your garden, consider planting strong-smelling flowers and herbs; their potent aromas act as a deterrent due to rodents' highly sensitive noses. Jamie elaborates: "Adding netting around any fruit trees or vegetable crops can help shield them from animals, reports the Mirror.
Planting repellent plants, such as lavender, mint, and rosemary, will also assist in deterring rodents and other pests. "Rodents are notorious for seeking shelter in homes as winter approaches, drawn by the continuous availability of food. It's essential to practice good hygiene such as never leaving food on countertops, promptly removing rubbish bags, and sweeping up crumbs regularly. Jamie offered some guidance: "If you keep food in drawers and cupboards, make sure that any bags of produce, such as rice and potatoes, are sealed in 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. "With mice being able to enter through holes as small as a pencil and rats through gaps the size of a two-pence coin, it's crucial to close off potential entry points. Jamie suggested the following steps: "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. "Remember to be extra cautious of possible entry points for pests, such as the gaps beneath doors or window frame crevices. It's essential not to overlook areas like roof vents, gutters, and chimneys, as these can often be highways for rodents into attics. Rodents' keen sense of smell means they're easily upset by certain odours capitalising on this fact by using specific scents could greatly reduce their likelihood of encroaching on your space. These strong scents have a dual effect; not only do they mask food aromas within your home, but they can also intimidate rodents, making them perceive the unfamiliar fragrance as a potential hazard .Jamie advised: "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. " It's noted that caution is key when introducing new substances into homes with pets, as some oils and plants can be harmful to our animal companions always research carefully before use. When rodent occurrences begin to rise, seeking professional advice might be your best bet, indicating you could be dealing with a larger infestation problem. Jamie underscored: "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.
"Remember, consulting with pest control experts can provide targeted strategies and advanced tools that might be necessary to effectively tackle a serious pest issue.
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