According to folk beliefs, what are mice and rats afraid of in a private house? - briefly
In folk tradition, mice and rats are said to avoid predators such as cats and dogs and to be repelled by strong odors like peppermint, vinegar, or mothballs, as well as by iron objects and sweeping motions.
According to folk beliefs, what are mice and rats afraid of in a private house? - in detail
Traditional lore holds that small rodents in a household are repelled by specific animals, scents, and objects. Cats are repeatedly cited as the primary predator; their presence, even as a statue or picture, is believed to keep rodents away. Dogs, especially those that bark frequently, are also thought to deter them.
Scented herbs and substances appear frequently in folk guidance. Peppermint oil, applied on cotton balls or cloth strips, is said to create an odor rodents find intolerable. Garlic, crushed and scattered, is claimed to produce a pungent atmosphere that drives them from corners. Mothballs, containing naphthalene, are traditionally placed in closets and attics to repel infestations. Vinegar, especially white distilled, is sometimes dripped along baseboards to discourage entry.
Certain natural materials are thought to form protective barriers. Chalk lines drawn across doorways and windows are believed to confuse rodents’ sense of direction. Iron filings, strewn in entry points, are said to be aversive due to the metal’s perceived toxicity. Salt, sprinkled along thresholds, is considered a purifying agent that rodents avoid.
Superstitious objects also feature in the folklore. Mirrors positioned opposite each other are thought to create an endless reflection that unsettles rodents. Brooms placed upright against walls are said to act as a visual deterrent. Red ribbons or strings, hung near openings, are believed to invoke protective energies that rodents shun.
Auditory and vibrational cues are included in many regional tales. Constant ticking sounds, such as clocks or metronomes, are said to interfere with rodents’ hearing. Low-frequency vibrations from household appliances, like washing machines, are reputed to make the environment uncomfortable for them.
Overall, folk tradition recommends a combination of predator symbols, strong odors, physical barriers, and unsettling stimuli to create an environment considered hostile to mice and rats. The specific choice of method often reflects local customs and the availability of materials.