Stop mice and rats from entering your home and garage by placing 1 common item out

Discovering a pest infestation in your home or garage can be utterly distressing, especially as rats and mice can cause structural damage and spread disease. Fortunately, there are solutions available for households to tackle this troublesome issue.

If you've noticed tell-tale signs of rodents darting about your home or garden and are wondering what to do next, one pest expert has shared essential advice for managing the situation effectively. Alastair Mayne, Chief Operating Officer at Garolla, has detailed some natural and humane approaches for deterring pests.

He said: "If you want an easy way to discourage pests from your home, you can use different essential oils or ingredients to deter them.

"For example, rats hate the smell of peppermint oil, vinegar, and garlic. Scattering black pepper around entry points to your property will also irritate their noses and stop them from entering."

Ground black pepper proves most effective for this task as it's straightforward to sprinkle and often a more budget-friendly option.

According to Buzz Boss pest control, black pepper acts as "a potent rat repellent" thanks to its piperine component, which triggers pain receptors in rats, prompting them to sneeze, cough and "scurry away".

Deterring rats

A cluttered space provides an ideal habitat for rats, particularly in garages where items such as furniture, boxes or general clutter may be stored. Therefore, Alistair suggests a comprehensive declutter to maintain a tidy and immaculate space.

Consistent cleaning is vital for overall hygiene and can render your property less attractive to rats and other pests. Elements like spills, rubbish or odours can draw rats in.

Even apparently trivial oversights, such as neglecting to clean your pets' food and water bowls daily, can welcome pests into your home. Consequently, regular rubbish removal and securing food sources are crucial preventative steps.

By disposing of waste correctly, swiftly cleaning up spills and keeping surfaces clean, you can establish an environment that's less welcoming to pests.

It's also vital to keep a close watch on vents and gaps under doors, as many pests, particularly rats and mice, can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.