What folk remedies can be used to poison mice in a private house at home? - briefly
Traditional household poisons for rodents include a paste of powdered chalk mixed with dried catnip, and a blend of crushed red pepper and powdered sugar placed on a sticky surface. A few drops of peppermint oil diluted in water applied to entry points can also kill mice.
What folk remedies can be used to poison mice in a private house at home? - in detail
Traditional household methods for eliminating rodents rely on substances that are toxic or repellent to mice. The following remedies are commonly used and can be prepared with items found in most homes.
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Peppermint oil – Concentrate a few drops in water and soak cotton balls. Place the balls in corners, behind appliances, and near entry points. The strong scent interferes with the animals’ sense of smell, discouraging habitation and causing disorientation that can lead to death after prolonged exposure.
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Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) – Break a small piece into several fragments and hide them in sealed containers such as tin cans or plastic bottles. As the ice sublimates, carbon dioxide displaces oxygen inside the sealed space. Mice entering the container inhale a high‑CO₂ atmosphere, resulting in rapid asphyxiation. Use only one or two fragments per container to avoid excessive gas buildup that could affect humans.
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Garlic paste – Crush several cloves, mix with a little water, and apply the mixture to wooden surfaces, baseboards, and pantry shelves. Garlic contains allicin, which is toxic to rodents in sufficient concentration. Reapply every few days to maintain potency.
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Hot chili powder – Combine cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper with flour in a 1:4 ratio. Sprinkle the mixture along mouse pathways and near suspected nesting sites. The capsaicin irritates the respiratory system and digestive tract, leading to lethality after ingestion.
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Baking soda and sugar bait – Mix equal parts of baking soda and granulated sugar. The sugar attracts the mouse, while the baking soda reacts with stomach acid, producing carbon dioxide gas that expands the stomach and causes fatal rupture. Place small amounts in shallow dishes to prevent accidental ingestion by pets.
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Castor oil paste – Mix two parts castor oil with one part water and a small amount of powdered sugar for taste. Apply the paste on wooden beams and behind cabinets. Castor oil acts as a laxative poison; rodents ingesting it experience severe diarrhea and eventual dehydration.
Safety considerations: keep all preparations out of reach of children and non‑target animals. Use gloves when handling concentrated substances, and ventilate areas where dry ice is employed. Monitor bait stations regularly and replace ineffective mixtures promptly.