Rats have an acute sense of smell and can detect odors at very low concentrations.1 However not all smells are equally offensive to rats. Some scents may actually attract rats while others repel them.2
So what scent do rats hate?
There are a few different scents that have been proven to repel rats. These include:
• Peppermint oil
• Citrus oil
• Mothballs
• Ammonia
• Vinegar
• Garlic
• Chili pepper
Each of these smells is offensive to rats in different ways. For example peppermint oil and citrus oil both contain compounds that irritate the lungs of rats making it difficult for them to breathe.3 Mothballs are toxic to rats and can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested.4 Ammonia and vinegar are both very strong smells that can cause respiratory distress in rats.5 Garlic and chili pepper both contain compounds that irritate the eyes and skin of rats.6
While these smells are all offensive to rats not all of them will be equally effective at repelling them. The strength of the smell the concentration of the odor and the individual preferences of the rats will all play a role in how effective a particular smell is at repelling them.78
If you’re looking for a scent to repel rats peppermint oil is a good place to start. This natural oil is non-toxic and has a strong minty smell that rats find offensive.9 You can purchase peppermint oil online or at a local health food store.
To use peppermint oil as a rat repellent simply add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in an area where you’ve seen rats. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to mist areas where rats are active.10
Citrus oil is another natural oil that can be used to repel rats. This oil has a strong citrusy smell that rats find offensive.11 You can purchase citrus oil online or at a local health food store.
To use citrus oil as a rat repellent add a few drops to a cotton ball and place it in an area where you’ve seen rats. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to mist areas where rats are active.12
Mothballs are a common household item that can be used to repel rats. These small round balls are made of a substance that is poisonous to rats.13 Mothballs can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.
To use mothballs as a rat repellent simply place them in an area where you’ve seen rats. Be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets as they can be harmful if ingested.14
Ammonia is a common household cleaning product that can be used to repel rats. This strong-smelling substance is toxic to rats and can cause serious health problems if inhaled or ingested.15 Ammonia can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.
To use ammonia as a rat repellent simply pour it into a bowl and place it in an area where you’ve seen rats. Be sure to keep the bowl out of reach of children and pets as ammonia can be harmful if ingested.16
Vinegar is a common household item that can be used to repel rats. This strong-smelling substance is offensive to rats and can cause respiratory distress if inhaled.17 Vinegar can be purchased online or at a local grocery store.
To use vinegar as a rat repellent simply pour it into a bowl and place it in an area where you’ve seen rats. Be sure to keep the bowl out of reach of children and pets as vinegar can be harmful if ingested.18
Garlic is a common kitchen ingredient that can be used to repel rats. This pungent herb contains compounds that irritate the eyes and skin of rats.19 Garlic can be purchased online or at a local grocery store.
To use garlic as a rat repellent simply place a few cloves in an area where you’ve seen rats. You can also add garlic to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to mist areas where rats are active.20
Chili pepper is a common kitchen spice that can be used to repel rats. This hot spice contains compounds that irritate the eyes and skin of rats.21 Chili pepper can be purchased online or at a local grocery store.
To use chili pepper as a rat repellent simply sprinkle it in an area where you’ve seen rats. You can also add chili pepper to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to mist areas where rats are active.22
Rats are attracted to food water and shelter. If you have rats in your home there’s a good chance that they’re there because they’ve found a source of food.23 To help repel rats be sure to keep all food in sealed containers and clean up any spills immediately. You should also seal any holes or cracks that rats could use to gain access to your home.24
In addition to food water is another essential need for rats. If there’s a source of water near your home rats will be attracted to it. To help repel rats be sure to eliminate any sources of water near your home such as leaky pipes or standing water.25
Finally rats need shelter to stay safe from predators and the elements. If your home is providing shelter for rats they’re likely to stick around. To help repel rats be sure to seal any holes or cracks that rats could use to gain access to your home. You should also keep your yard clean and free of debris.26
Rats are pests that can be difficult to get rid of. However by using a combination of the above-mentioned repellents you can discourage rats from making your home their own.
What are the three primary colors?
Red yellow and blue.
What is the capital of the United States?
Washington D.
C.
What is the circumference of the Earth?
25000 miles
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
What are thenaming rights to the Large Hadron Collider?
The European Organization for Nuclear Research
What is the boiling point of water?
100 degrees Celsius
What is the highest mountain in the solar system?
Olympus Mons
What is the largest country in the world?
Russia
What is the smallest country in the world?
Vatican City
What is the name of the longest river in Africa?
The Nile
What is the name of the tallest mountain in the solar system?
Rheasilvia
What is the average lifespan of a human?
Around 78 years
What is the speed of light?
299792458 meters per second
What is the average lifespan of a rat?
2-3 years
What scent do rats hate?
Citrus
