Pest Myth: Getting rid of rats, does peppermint oil work?

Methodology: Soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil and place them strategically around common entry points where rats are found to have squeezed in from.

Fun fact! Rats are able to squeeze in from the outside, from holes and gaps as small as 1cm!

The Verdict: Rats are sensitive in the smell sensory, and peppermint oil in high concentrations can be rather strong and is assumed to chase rats away. However, over time, the pungent smell will diminish, thus losing its scent quite quickly and plus, rats spent their time in the dirtiest and harshest places ever such as sewers and drains.

Damages and harm caused by rats

Rats are annoying nuisance and for most of us, coming into contact with them can be daunting! For example, running across our legs as we take our dinner, rat landing on our shoulder as they drop from the ceiling or creeping at a corner that caught our attention!

But what makes rat so uninviting is the fact they are disease transmitter such as Salmonellosis that causes food poisoning symptoms, their excretion and urine contaminates food, and gnawing habits that destroys furniture and any objects ranging from plastic, wood or metal, including electrical wire! Danger: Damaging electrical wire causes potential risks of short circuit and in severe scenario, it may start a fire.

Why are rats control challenging?

They tend to hide at out-of-reach and out-of-sight spaces such as ceilings, roof attics, cramp corners, burrows and dark spaces.
Rats are nocturnal pests and only surface at night for food, this means spotting their presence become more difficult.
Infestation signs may not be obvious to us (unless pest experts or field biologists spot them). For example, rat droppings, urine stains, smear marks or presence of holes and bites found on objects.
Their agility, good climbing and swimming skills mean hiding and squeezing in all possible gaps and holes or reaching up to heights that are not accessible to us.

Because of their hiding and harbouring capabilities and the vast amount of information available on the Internet, DIY solutions tend to be sought after. Moth balls, ultrasonic sound waves device, spices such as pepper and bay leaf including peppermint oil are used to repel them.

You may also like: Signs of rats hiding in your property

Considerations in utilising natural rat control remedies

Besides using peppermint oil, there are other organic ways to prevent a rodent infestation in your home. These include:

Sealing all cracks and crevices that serve as entry points for rodents.
Placing small cups of a mixture of ammonia and water in areas where rodents have been sighted.
Creating a homemade rat repellent by combining pepper flakes, mint, and cloves in sachets and placing them around rodent entry points.

The strong smell of these natural remedies may help keep rodents away temporarily. While organic solutions are convenient and make use of items commonly found at home, their effectiveness is limited, as they only work for a short time. Moreover, unlike peppermint oil, ammonia has an extremely pungent odour, making it unsuitable for indoor use. There's no scientific evidence to show that home remedies as a reliable, long-term or effective solution for rodent control. If you are dealing with a persistent rodent problem, it is advisable to contact a pest control company for long-term solutions.

Adopting a digital rodent control programme

Rats are difficult to detect and track as they hide effectively in ceilings and inside burrows, only to emerge at night for food. Besides, they are intelligent enough to avoid unfamiliar lures and traps that make baiting efforts more challenging. Hence, switching to a digital rodent control not only heightens the detection level of rats’ movements more efficiently, but also helps to control their population more effectively. Rats’ activities’ are also tracked by pest control specialists who can monitor their movements through a command centre that activates an on-demand service when a rat is caught.

Getting rid of rats to avoid further harm

The Solution: Controlling rats requires an integrated approach, which includes removing food sources, blocking possible entry points, maintaining proper facility upkeep, and implementing a robust rodent control programme with monitoring systems to keep rat infestations under control.

Understanding how to repel rats and mice effectively is essential, as these pests are highly adaptable and can return if preventive measures are not sustained. Since rats have a highly sensitive sense of smell, the strong scent emitted by peppermint oil may temporarily deter them from entering your premises. However, this is only a short-term solution, as the scent fades over time, allowing rats to return.

Find out more about effective rat control strategies to prevent minor infestations from escalating into serious problems. Call (65) 6347 8138 to understand more about our professional rodent control programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scent will keep rats away?

Peppermint oil may help deter rats from your property, but scents alone are not sufficient to address a large-scale infestation. While strong odours can disrupt scent trails and temporarily repel rats, they do not eliminate the root cause of the problem. For effective rodent control, it is best to engage a professional pest control service.

What is the easiest way to get rid of rats?

The simplest way to get rid of rats is by cutting off their food supply. Store food and beverages in airtight containers, ensure your rubbish bins are securely covered, and dispose of waste regularly. Early prevention can help control a rat infestation before it escalates, reducing financial and operational disruptions. Learn more about effective rodent control solutions at Rentokil Singapore.

How long does it take to get rid of rats?

The time required to eliminate rats depends on various factors, including the expertise of the pest control specialist, strategic placement of baiting units, the type of bait used, and the accuracy of detection methods. Regular monitoring and alternating bait strategies can optimise luring efforts for better results.

What time of day are rats most active?

Rats are nocturnal pests, meaning they are most active at night. If you hear scurrying noises in your ceilings or walls, it may indicate an infestation. While rats typically avoid daylight, they may be seen during the day in cases of overpopulation, food scarcity, or heavy infestations. If you suspect a rat problem, seek expert advice from Rentokil's pest specialists.

What food kills rats?

While very few foods are lethal to rats, some, like blue cheese, liquorice, poppy seeds, and black almonds, have been found to contain compounds that may be toxic to them if ingested.

What are rats scared of?

Rats tend to be wary of humans and larger animals that may be perceived as predators. They are also cautious of unfamiliar environments, new objects such as baits and traps, and brightly lit areas. Instead, they prefer hiding in dark, quiet spaces like burrows and concealed corners. If you are dealing with a rat infestation, check out the latest insights and tips on our blog for expert guidance.

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