Winning the rat race. Five humane ways to make your home rodent-free

Dealing with rats can be extremely challenging. These destructive rodents can wreak havoc, carry deadly diseases that pose significant health risks, and exhibit aggressive behavior. Luring them out of their hiding spots is often difficult, with extermination being considered a last resort. But how can you rid your home of rats using simple home remedies? Here are five effective tricks.

Certain smells are incredibly repulsive to these pests, particularly some types of plants and herbs, which can be quickly grown or placed near suspected rat colonies. Mint, chamomile, tansy, and tomato leaves are especially disliked by rats, causing them to evacuate the area. Additionally, rats seem to have an aversion to garlic or lemon. Using detergents, including liquid soap and toilet blocks, also effectively repels rats due to their emitting odors.

Having a cat around can quickly drive rats away from your property. The scent of a cat also acts as a deterrent, making your home less appealing to them. However, it's important to note that this method may not be entirely safe, as rats can carry diseases such as rabies, which threaten pets. What sounds are rats afraid of? Ultrasounds can be a highly effective deterrent. The high frequency of an electronic repeller works much like an overly loud party at the neighbor's—unbearable for the pests.

If all else fails and the rats haven't been vaccinated, it might be time to escalate your efforts. You might need to start with specialized traps, like live traps, and gradually move to more drastic measures, such as glue traps or poison. If these methods do not suffice, professional extermination remains the most effective solution to ensure the pests are permanently removed.