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Home  /  Rodents  /  Myth Busting: DIY Rodent Control
rodent control
30 September 2016

Myth Busting: DIY Rodent Control

Written by admin
Rodents DIY pest control, mice, mice in the attic, rats, rats and mice, rodent control, rodents Leave a Comment
DIY Rodent Control

We all like to think that we are self-reliant and can solve our own problems. So when we see rats or mice in our homes, our first reaction is to scurry to the internet to see if we can find a way to eliminate these rodents ourselves.

The problem is that the internet will give you many solutions to any problem. You just need to find out which ones work! Which home remedies for eliminating rodents can you rely on?

Home remedies for rodents

The most popular natural ways to get rid of mice and rats are:

  • Mothballs
  • Peppermint oil
  • Ultrasonic repellers

Mothballs and rodents

Mothballs are a popular natural deterrent for mice and rats, but do they work?

Method:

Place mothballs around your home in key rodent locations and hotspots such as in attics and basements. If you have spotted a nest in your home, it is suggested that you place the mothballs near the entrance.

Does it work?

No.

Mothballs contain naphthalene, which can affect rodents’ ability to carry oxygen. However, large amounts of naphthalene would be required to have any impact on rodents. And these amounts would, in turn, be also dangerous to humans. So this method is not only ineffective.

In some cases, the limited effect of mothballs on rodents often leads people to overuse the product, which can lead to health complications due to the levels of naphthalene in the air.

Using mothballs as a natural rodent repellent is Not Advised.

Peppermint oil for rodents

Like with most DIY pest control solutions, peppermint is regarded as a great natural deterrent for rats and mice.

Method:

Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the common entry points for rodents, and the rodent hotspots such as attics and basements.

Does it work?

No.

Your house will smell nice and minty, but unfortunately the unwanted rodents will still be there too.

Peppermint oil is believed to be a natural rodent repellent due to this potent aroma in high concentrations. Due to their sensitive sense of smell, the smell of peppermint is thought to be too much for rats and mice and results in them avoiding areas with this scent.

Unfortunately this is not the case. Peppermint oil actually has very little to no effect on rodents. If you think about it logically, if rats and mice can withstand the foul stench of sewers then peppermint oil would be a delightful change.

Ultrasonic rodent repeller

Ultrasonic repellers are another popular DIY rodent control solution. But how effective are they?

Method:

Purchase an ultrasonic rodent repeller from your local DIY store and simply plug it into a free socket, preferably one near a rodent hotspot or entry point.   

Does it work?

No.

There are countless ultrasonic rodent repellers on the market and although they may seem to keep rats and mice away for a short period of time, they are not a 100% guaranteed fix, with most rodent infestations recurring after a while.

The placement of the device is an important part of the success of ultrasonic rodent repellers. They need to be located near the common rodent hotspots so the emitted sound waves can repel the rodents. Furniture and walls can interfere with the sound waves and cause the DIY rodent control solution to fail, which can be a big issue as rodents often like to hide within cavity walls.

Also multiple devices are often required in order for this do it yourself rodent control option to work. Both rats and mice are quite intelligent creatures, they will simply avoid the areas of your home with the ultrasonic rodent repellers and infest another.

How to get rid of rodents

Although the common home remedies for rodents may seem to work, they aren’t 100% effective and fail to completely eradicate a rodent problem from your home.

Contrary to popular belief, rodents are pretty intelligent creatures. They will either find another way into your home or simply put up with whichever home remedy you are using for the sake of shelter and food.

Do it yourself rodent control

Do it yourself rodent control is based around one theme, prevention.

By utilising specific prevention techniques you can reduce the appeal of your property to rodents and limit the possibility of obtaining a rat or mouse infestation.

How to prevent rodents

  • Seal entrances around windows, doors and around pipe work using expanding foam. Install galvanised wire mesh on airbricks and vents
  • Repair damages to pipes, roof tiles and skirting boards
  • Trim vegetation around your garden and keep grass mown short
  • Clean food and liquid spillage as well as dirty dishes and empty bins regularly.
  • Store food in airtight plastic or metal containers.

Professional rodent control

The most effective way to get rid of rats and mice is to enlist the help of a professional exterminator.

A professional pest controller has a range of rodent control options available to help successfully remove rodents from your property, ensuring that the infestations doesn’t re-occur again.

Have a rat or mouse problem? Get in contact with Rentokil for a FREE survey.

Want to know more about the common myths around DIY pest control? Click here.

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