Britons urged to place 22p ingredient outside to keep rats and mice away
As spring approaches, it's important to take steps to prevent a rat infestation in your home - and one common kitchen ingredient could help keep them at bay
As the weather starts to heat up, you may notice an increased likelihood of spotting rats and mice around your property. Spring is a critical breeding period for these rodents, meaning they're hungry, seeking shelter and reproducing at a rapid rate — and sadly, our homes offer the ideal nesting conditions.
Failing to prepare and missing early warning signs can quickly lead to a full-blown rat infestation throughout your home. Not only can pest control be extremely expensive, there's also the very real risk of contracting disease. Thankfully, there could be a simple solution to keep them at bay — and it doesn't cost a fortune either.
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According to Glen Peskett, DIY expert from Saxton Blades, one popular kitchen staple can repel rats from your home throughout the year: garlic.
He said: "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."
Garlic is very budget-friendly too, with a four-pack costing just 87p from Asda, working out at around 22p per bulb.
How to use garlic to keep rats and mice away
Place garlic cloves near entry points throughout your home, especially where rodents are most likely to gain access.
They are especially attracted to spots such as basements, garages, kitchens and even the loft, so ensure you position them close to any gaps and doorways around the exterior of your property.
Garlic oil, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar are equally effective at deterring any unwanted pests that might be considering venturing inside.
That said, repellents alone are not the only solution. Tackling other measures, such as decluttering, can remove potential hiding spots that rats might exploit to construct nests.
Food waste is also a significant draw for rats, so ensure bins are kept firmly sealed, emptied on a regular basis, and any spillages are cleaned up immediately.
Lastly, inspect for gaps, particularly beneath doors or around vents, and seal them up — even the tiniest of openings can provide rats and mice with sufficient room to squeeze through.
