3. Well-placed mechanical traps

Place traps in areas where you have detected droppings or rodent damage. Use attractive baits like cheese, peanut butter, or even dried fruit. Additionally, you can use nesting materials like cotton balls to lure them into traps. Remember to check the traps daily to avoid bad odors or the spread of bacteria.

4. Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint oil, scientifically known as Mentha piperita, is a very effective natural repellent for mice and rats because of its strong aroma. Moisten cotton balls with a few drops of this oil and place them in areas where you often see rodent activity. Make sure to replace them every few days to maintain the intensity of the scent.

5. Mint Plants in Your Garden

Apart from using peppermint oil, planting this plant around your home can also help. Mint is easy to grow, and apart from being a natural deterrent, you can use it in cooking. Put these plants near doors, windows, and other access points to keep rodents away.

6. Used Cat Litter

If you have a cat at home, you can spread used cat litter in places where you’ve noticed rodents. The strong smell of urine alerts rodents to the presence of a predator, leading them to avoid that area. Just be sure you don’t use this technique in areas accessible to other pets or children.

7. Seal Off Access Points

One of the most effective ways to keep mice and rats out of your home is by closing off any possible entryways. Use durable materials like copper mesh, steel wool, or cement to fill in cracks and openings around walls, windows, and doors. Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly tiny spaces, so it’s essential to inspect your entire home carefully. Steel wool is especially effective because rodents can’t chew through it.