How can you fight rats at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Use strong-smelling natural deterrents such as peppermint oil, crushed garlic, and dried chili, and place sugar‑coated peanut‑butter traps to lure and capture rodents. Seal gaps with steel wool and caulk to block future entry.
How can you fight rats at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Rats can be deterred without commercial chemicals by applying time‑tested household items and practices.
Maintain a clean environment. Store food in sealed containers, eliminate crumbs, and fix leaks that provide water. Removing shelter by clearing clutter, trimming vegetation, and sealing cracks under doors and around pipes reduces entry points.
Natural repellents work on scent or irritation. Apply a few drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and place them in hidden corners, cupboards, and near suspected routes; replace weekly. Sprinkle cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili powder around openings; the strong odor and irritation discourage gnawing. Mix crushed garlic cloves with water, let steep overnight, strain, and spray the solution on surfaces where rats travel. Soak cotton swabs in vinegar and position them in concealed areas; the acidic smell is aversive.
Physical barriers and traps complement repellents. Construct homemade snap traps using a sturdy wire coat hanger bent into a U‑shape, a small piece of cheese as bait, and a wooden block as a trigger. For live capture, set a bucket trap: place a ramp leading to a tall bucket, line the interior with oil to prevent escape, and bait with peanut butter. Release captured rodents far from the residence, adhering to local regulations.
Powders and granules create an uncomfortable surface. Spread diatomaceous earth in thin layers along baseboards and behind appliances; its microscopic shards abrade the rats’ exoskeletons. Use food‑grade borax mixed with flour and sugar as a bait; rats ingest the mixture, leading to dehydration. Apply a thin layer of powdered cinnamon or cloves in entryways; both act as irritants.
Encourage natural predators. A domestic cat, especially one with a hunting instinct, can reduce rodent activity. If a cat is unavailable, install owl boxes or attract hawks by placing perches near the property; birds of prey deter larger infestations.
Combine methods for maximum effect. Begin with sanitation, seal all openings, then deploy repellents, traps, and powders in a coordinated pattern. Monitor activity daily, replenish repellents, and adjust trap placement as needed. Consistent application of these traditional measures typically suppresses rat presence without resorting to synthetic poisons.