Which Smell Do Rats Hate?
Rats have a highly developed sense of smell and, as a result, give off a very pungent smell. This helps them find food and avoid dangers. However, their keen sense of smell also means they are sensitive to a variety of scents, many of which are not offensive to us. While this ability to detect smell is highly beneficial to rats, it can also be used against them in a number of ways.
One common method for repelling rats is to apply a mixture of water and oil in a small bowl. Place cotton balls in the solution, and place them in areas where you don’t want rats to live. Another method is to spray your home with peppermint oil. It is effective against many types of pests, but the smell can be a bit overwhelming for some people.
Another effective repellent is citronella. The smell of this plant is so powerful that it acts as a deterrent for rats. It also has the added advantage of masking the smell of food or predators. You can spray a mixture of the two in the area where rats tend to hang out, and you can also place citronella cotton balls in rat-infested areas.
In addition to peppermint oil, citronella is a natural rat repellent. The scent of citronella can be applied to walls, floors, or other surfaces, but don’t use citronella candles, as they are unlikely to deter rats. The oil is a natural product that you can buy or use in a spray, and should be applied daily.