As the warmer months arrive, the likelihood of spotting rats and mice near your home rises dramatically. Spring is a crucial breeding period for these rodents, leaving them hungry, desperate for refuge and reproducing at an alarming rate — making our properties ideal nesting spots.
Overlooking early warning signs can quickly lead to a full-scale rodent infestation in your home. Beyond the expense of pest control, there is also the threat of contracting diseases.
Thankfully, there is a straightforward and affordable solution to keep them away. Glenn Peskett, DIY expert from Saxton Blades, believes that one everyday kitchen ingredient can repel rats from your property all year round: garlic.
Why Garlic Works Against Rats
Garlic is a favourite all around the world; it smells amazing, has health benefits and transforms any dish you put it in. But for rats? That strong, pungent smell is their absolute nightmare. Rats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate and find food. Garlic, with its strong sulfur compounds, overwhelms their sense of smell and makes them feel disoriented. These compounds are also something rats associate with toxic substances, naturally deterring them from entering your home.
Cost-Effective Solution
The solution is remarkably budget-friendly, with a four-pack available for just 87p at Asda, working out at roughly 22p per bulb.
How to Use Garlic to Keep Rats and Mice Away
Place garlic cloves around entry points throughout your home where rodents are most likely to enter. These creatures are typically drawn to spaces such as cellars, garages, kitchens and lofts, so make sure you position them near any gaps and doorways around the exterior of your property. Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar can also be extremely useful at deterring unwanted pests from entering your home.
However, repellents on their own are not the complete answer. Tackling other problems, such as clutter, can remove potential hiding places that rats might use to build their nests. Food waste is another significant draw for rats, so ensure your bins are firmly sealed, empty them regularly, and clean up any spills immediately. Lastly, inspect your property carefully for any openings, especially beneath doors or around vents, and seal them up — even the tiniest of holes can provide rats and mice with enough space to get through.
