Rats belong to the group of animals known as rodents, mammals of the order Rodentia . They belong to the suborder Myomorpha and are characterized by their adaptive ability.
Although they are part of the ecosystem, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) state that rodents are carriers or reservoirs of various infections and diseases, including plague, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hantavirus, among others.
Guatemalan rat extermination experts also say that rats can cause other problems, including: food contamination, carrying fleas and mites, and other problems that can cause discomfort at home or in the office.
What home remedies work to scare away rats?
It is important to clarify that one of the most effective methods is to hire a specialized professional team to eliminate pests permanently. However, if you are looking for a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative, you can consider these home remedies to scare rats away from your home:
1. Mint
According to Animal Expert , mint is one of the most effective remedies to scare away rats, since the smell of this plant acts as a repellent for these rodents. You can soak cotton balls with mint oil and then put them in glass containers and place them uncovered in the places where rats enter. Just remember to change these balls every three days, as they lose their smell.
Another mint-based recipe involves placing mint leaves around the house to ward them off. Moreover, experts also suggest that mint leaf tea also works as a cleaner. You can pour it into a spray bottle and use it to clean the areas of the house that you feel need it.
2. Pepper and other spicy foods
Several experts mention that the pungent smell works to scare away rats. Fill muslin bags using coarsely ground cayenne pepper and cloves and place them in various places around your home.
Another suggestion is to scare them away using hot sauce. Mix 20 drops of hot sauce with half part liquid detergent and half part water in a bowl and clean surfaces using this solution. This remedy is not recommended in homes where there are children or pets.
3. Ammonia
It is characterized as one of the most effective remedies to get rid of rats. However, it should be used with caution because it can be toxic to humans and pets , according to Infobae .
According to other experts, the smell of ammonia is similar to the urine of large predators, which is why it is quite effective. Get ammonia powder and mix it in water. You can then place this remedy in corners, behind furniture and areas where rats have passed. Do not use it if there are children or pets in the house and do not overuse it.
4. Other aromatic plants
Animal Expert mentions that there are various scents that scare away rats. For this reason, there are plants that can be useful to scare away rats from the garden, among which are lavender, marigold, mint and basil . Other experts also recommend eucalyptus because it is similar to mint in smell.
In this regard, it is important that you take proper care of these plants if you want them to be effective in keeping your garden free of rats.
5. Cleaning
Cleaning your home is one of the safest methods to eradicate any pest. Take into account these suggestions from experts to carry out a deep cleaning in every room of the house:
- Thoroughly clean every space in your home. You can use bleach or chlorine to clean, but always be very careful to avoid poisoning. It is recommended to clean behind furniture and appliances carefully.
- Avoid leaving food outdoors.
- Areas for children and pets can be cleaned using vinegar, lemon or other alternatives, as chlorine and bleach can be toxic.
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning.
- Take out the trash daily or as often as possible.
- Use airtight trash cans and close bags tightly.
- Make sure that sewers, drains and other water outlets are secured to prevent the entry of any animals.
- Do not store unnecessary things.
Consider these options to prevent rat infestations in your home and thus avoid the spread of diseases associated with these rodents.