How can you get rid of rats in a wooden house using folk methods? - briefly
Apply strong natural repellents such as «mint oil», crushed garlic, and dried chili in all wall gaps, then set humane traps baited with peanut butter and sprinkle predator scents like fox urine while sealing any openings and eliminating food residues.
How can you get rid of rats in a wooden house using folk methods? - in detail
Traditional approaches to eliminating rodents from a timber dwelling rely on natural deterrents, physical barriers and simple traps.
First, identify and seal all potential entry points. Use oak or pine wood shims, steel wool and expandable foam to close gaps around windows, doors, roof eaves and foundation cracks. Reinforce floorboards and joists with metal mesh to prevent burrowing.
Second, employ scent‑based repellents. Soak rags in peppermint oil, cayenne‑pepper solution or a mixture of vinegar and garlic, then place them in corners, attic spaces and behind walls. Replace soaked materials weekly to maintain potency.
Third, set up mechanical traps. Construct wooden snap traps using a spring‑loaded lever, baited with dried fruit or peanut butter. Position traps along established runways, usually near walls, under beams and close to food storage. Check and reset traps daily.
Fourth, attract natural predators. Install nesting boxes for barn owls or perches for domestic cats in the loft and attic. Encourage feral‑cat colonies by providing shelter and water, allowing them to hunt rodents autonomously.
Fifth, apply smoke or fire‑derived methods. Burn dried rosemary, sage or juniper branches in a safe, ventilated area to produce a strong odor that rodents avoid. Periodically clear debris and dry wood shavings from storage spaces to reduce hiding places.
Sixth, use plant‑based poisons sparingly. Prepare a paste of powdered copper sulfate mixed with flour and place it in sealed bait stations inaccessible to children and pets. Monitor stations closely and remove any dead rodents promptly to prevent disease spread.
Finally, maintain cleanliness. Store grain, nuts and dried fruit in airtight containers, sweep crumbs from floors, and dispose of waste in sealed bins. Regular housekeeping deprives rodents of food, encouraging them to leave the structure.
Combining these folk techniques creates a comprehensive, low‑technology strategy for eradicating rats from a wooden house.