How can rats be eliminated from a house using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply strong aromatic repellents—peppermint oil, crushed garlic, or cayenne pepper—on cotton balls and place them at cracks, vents, and pantry edges to deter rodents. Complement the deterrents with simple wire snares baited with peanut butter or sweet corn to capture any survivors.
How can rats be eliminated from a house using folk remedies? - in detail
Rats can be driven out of a dwelling by employing time‑tested household solutions that exploit their aversion to strong odors, taste deterrents, and physical barriers.
First, identify entry points. Seal cracks, gaps around pipes, and openings under doors with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh; rodents can gnaw through soft materials but not hardened metal.
Second, apply repellents that rats find intolerable:
- Peppermint oil – soak cotton balls in undiluted oil and place them near suspected pathways, storage areas, and behind appliances. Replace every three days to maintain potency.
- Clove or eucalyptus oil – mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle; mist corners, baseboards, and attic spaces.
- Ammonia – soak rags in ammonia and tuck them into hidden crevices; the sharp vapor discourages nesting.
Third, introduce edible deterrents that render the environment unpalatable:
- Dry chili powder or cayenne – sprinkle a thin layer along walls, in cupboards, and around food containers.
- Garlic powder – distribute similarly; the pungent scent interferes with the rats’ sensory receptors.
Fourth, employ physical traps that do not rely on chemicals:
- Bucket trap – balance a sturdy plank across a bucket, bait the far end with peanut butter or dried fruit. When a rat traverses the plank, it falls into the bucket and cannot escape.
- Snap trap – position with bait in concealed locations; ensure the trigger is set correctly to avoid misfires.
Fifth, eliminate attractants:
- Store food in airtight containers; avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Remove clutter, especially cardboard boxes and piles of fabric, which provide nesting material.
- Keep garbage sealed and dispose of it regularly.
Finally, maintain a routine inspection. After sealing openings and applying repellents, monitor for fresh droppings or gnaw marks. Reapply oils and powders weekly, and replace trap bait as it loses scent. Consistent application of these traditional measures, combined with diligent exclusion practices, effectively suppresses rodent activity without resorting to commercial poisons.