Households urged to do 1 check at home to stop mice and rats for good

Many homeowners rely on popular home remedies to keep mice and rats out, but not all of them work as well as people think. With spring welcoming a “second wave” of infestations, a rodent expert is now setting the record straight by debunking three of the most common myths about keeping them away.

The Rentokil expert is urging UK households to focus on one simple action that can help banish mice and rats for good. They state: “The majority of natural mouse repellents that you would usually think of, such as peppermint, moth balls, and ultrasonic sound waves, don’t actually do a great deal to resolve a mouse infestation.

“It’s possible you might notice a short-term, temporary effect — seeing fewer rodents around, but these methods will not permanently eliminate mice from your home or business premises.”

Debunking myths

Mothballs are often believed to deter mice because they contain naphthalene, a strong-smelling chemical thought to affect the rodents, as reported by the expert.

In reality, the amount present is far too small to have any impact and mice will simply find another route if the smell bothers them.

Peppermint oil is another commonly suggested remedy. While mice have a strong sense of smell, and the scent may irritate them briefly, it won’t stop them from living where food and shelter are available.

Ultrasonic rodent repellers can sometimes discourage mice before they settle, but the sound is easily blocked by furniture and objects, creating quiet areas where rodents can avoid the noise.

How to deter mice

The rodent expert simply advised that “prevention is key” when it comes to deterring this furry pests. They went onto explain: “Checking both the interior and exterior of your home for potential entry points.

“Then, sealing them to block easy access to mice is the first step. Mice are great climbers scaling rough, vertical surfaces and scurrying along thin cables and wires.

“Remember to check for gaps higher up or on your rooftop and in the attic, not just near the ground.”

When it comes to filling gaps with steel wool, the expert suggested to use this in combination a flexible sealant. They stated that if the steel wool is not packed tightly enough, mice and rats will simply pull it out. Using a combination of steel wool and caulk is a “more effective solution to sealing gaps.”