How can rats be permanently eliminated from a private house using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply peppermint oil or crushed garlic around gaps and potential nests to repel rodents. Complement with homemade traps baited with peanut butter and a flour‑water paste to capture and kill any that enter.
How can rats be permanently eliminated from a private house using folk remedies? - in detail
Rats can be removed from a dwelling permanently by combining preventive measures with traditional deterrents that exploit the rodents’ aversion to strong odors, irritants, and physical barriers.
First, eliminate all sources of food and water. Store grains, cereals, and pet food in airtight containers; clean crumbs and spills immediately; fix leaking pipes and remove standing water. This deprives rats of sustenance and reduces their motivation to remain.
Second, block entry points. Inspect foundations, walls, and roof eaves for holes larger than a quarter‑inch. Fill gaps with steel wool followed by cement, copper mesh, or expanding foam. Install door sweeps and screen windows to prevent re‑entry.
Third, apply folk repellents in areas where activity is observed:
- Peppermint oil: soak cotton balls in undiluted oil and place them in corners, behind appliances, and near suspected burrows. Refresh weekly.
- Ground cloves or clove oil: scatter whole cloves or apply diluted oil on lintels and baseboards. The pungent scent deters gnawing.
- Hot pepper mixture: blend cayenne or chili powder with water, add a few drops of dish soap, and spray onto surfaces, inside walls, and around entry points. The irritant contacts the rodents’ mucous membranes.
- Garlic and onion: crush cloves, mix with water, and spray on pathways. The sulfur compounds create an unpleasant environment.
- Tobacco dust: sprinkle fine tobacco powder in hidden passages; nicotine acts as a natural toxin.
Fourth, employ physical traps that align with traditional practices. Use wooden snap traps baited with peanut butter or dried fruit. Set traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall, because rats travel along edges.
Fifth, encourage natural predators. Keep a domestic cat indoors; its scent alone can discourage rodent activity. Alternatively, place dried catnip near trap locations to increase attraction for the predators.
Sixth, maintain hygiene after removal. Dispose of dead rats in sealed bags, disinfect affected areas with a solution of vinegar and water, and continue to replenish repellents on a regular schedule. Consistent application prevents re‑colonization.
By integrating thorough exclusion, sanitation, and a suite of time‑tested repellents, a lasting solution to rodent infestation can be achieved without reliance on commercial chemicals.