How to drive a rat out of an apartment using folk methods? - briefly
Place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, crushed garlic, and a few slices of onion near entry points and nesting areas; the strong scents deter rodents without chemicals. Additionally, set up simple homemade traps using a bucket, a piece of wood, and bait such as peanut butter to capture the animal and release it far from the dwelling.
How to drive a rat out of an apartment using folk methods? - in detail
Rats enter apartments seeking food, water, and shelter. Traditional approaches rely on strong odors, natural repellents, and simple barriers to make the environment hostile without chemicals.
First, eliminate attractants. Store dry goods in sealed containers, fix leaking pipes, and keep trash in tightly closed bins. Remove clutter that provides nesting sites; discard cardboard boxes and piles of paper.
Use household items that rats find intolerable:
- Peppermint oil – soak cotton balls, place them near suspected routes and hideouts. Refresh every two days.
- Clove or all‑spice – sprinkle whole cloves in corners, behind appliances, and in wall voids. Replace weekly.
- Garlic and onion – crush and spread thin layers on windowsills and door thresholds. Reapply after cleaning.
- Vinegar – spray a 1:1 solution on floors and baseboards. Rinse after 30 minutes to avoid damage to surfaces.
- Hot pepper powder – dust a light coat around entry points; rats avoid capsaicin irritation.
Construct simple traps using natural bait:
- Take a shallow dish, fill with peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Position a sturdy wire or wooden plank as a lever that tilts when the rodent climbs.
- Place the trap along walls, where rats travel.
- Check daily; release captured animals far from the building if local regulations allow.
Seal all possible ingress routes. Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill gaps around pipes, then cover with silicone sealant. Install weather‑stripping on doors and windows. Repair cracks in plaster or drywall with cement.
Maintain cleanliness to prevent re‑infestation. Sweep crumbs, mop spills promptly, and wash dishes immediately. Keep pet food sealed and feed at set times rather than leaving bowls out.
Monitor activity with non‑lethal indicators: place small pieces of cheese or dried fruit on paper towels in hidden spots, then inspect for droppings or gnaw marks. Continue the odor treatments and trap checks for at least two weeks after the last sighting to ensure the rodent population is eradicated.