The 5 Cupboard Staples To Keep Rats Out Of Your Garden (And Home)

Rat season’s here. Between August to October, rodent populations peak – and this year, thanks to the warmer weather and an abundance of food (fuelled by bin strikes in some areas), they appear to be doing particularly well for themselves.There have even been sightings of “cat-sized” rats across the UK, with one discovered in a Teesside home measuring 56cm long.Signs of a rat infestation can include: droppings, gnaw marks on cables in your home, rub marks or smudges on surfaces, and holes in the garden. Empty snail shells could also mean rats are nearby. So, how can you keep them away from your home and garden?The cupboard staples that can keep them awayWhile you can keep rats at bay with simple steps like removing food and water sources, sealing up any entry points into your home, and keeping clutter to a minimum (including keeping your rubbish bags in a dustbin with a lid that stays on properly); there are some ingredients in your kitchen cupboard that the rodents also don’t like. Vinegar is one of those condiments – rats hate the “strong, acidic aroma”, according to Rentokil, which suggests white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and sprayed or wiped around potential entry points.But you’ll need to frequently re-spray and wipe it to keep the scent nice and strong. It’s also worth bearing in mind it might not be suitable for all surfaces. In addition to vinegar, rats also don’t like strong spicy scents, so the pest control company suggests chilli pepper flakes, cayenne pepper powder, or even a strong chilli oil can help keep them at bay. “Sprinkling these spices around entry points, like air bricks, pipe entries, or under sheds, can create a barrier,” said Rentokil’s experts.But they urged caution in areas where pets and children are present.Recently, The Express urged gardeners to use chilli powder in the garden to keep squirrels and foxes away from bird tables. This is because birds are reportedly not affected by the spice, whereas many pests don’t like it. If you don’t have either vinegar or chilli powder in your cupboard, peppermint oil is also an effective deterrent to rats thanks to its powerful scent.Rentokil suggests putting cotton balls soaked in oil in areas where you suspect rats are active.Again, you’ll need to reapply this regularly to keep the scent strong. Good luck! Related...'Cat-Sized' Rats Have Been Spotted In UK – Here's How To Keep Them Away From Your HomeThis Is The Safe, 'Natural' Way To Keep Rats Out Of Your GardenOh Good, Rats Apparently Have Imaginations

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