What Smells Does Rats Not Like?
WouterRats have a keen sense of smell and so can be easily repelled by the smell of certain substances. One of the best ways to repel them is to place a layer of fresh urine around the entrances to your home. You can also place ammonia-filled bottle caps in places they often frequent.
Rats are also repulsed by peppermint and other essential oils. Peppermint oil can be sprayed on cotton balls and left around the perimeter of your home. Cedarwood chips are another common repellent. A mixture of peppermint oil and diluted detergent can also be placed in areas where rats like to congregate.
In addition to peppermint oil, rats also don’t like the smell of vinegar. Although rats are repulsed by vinegar, this scent can be too strong for people. So, it’s best to use other, more neutral scents. Those that work well are essential oils like peppermint, castor oil, and citronella. Although many other scents work, vinegar is the most common. While this may be a strong smell, it may work to repel mice.
Using garlic is also another option. It is not recommended to use garlic cloves because they are expensive and might spoil. You can also use garlic powder in place of garlic cloves. Using white vinegar is also an effective way to deter rats. This chemical smell triggers their fear senses. It can be sprinkled all over the area where rats congregate.
