When it comes to doing things around the house, we all try to be like ole Bob Villa and do it ourselves. Sometimes it works, and sometimes we mess things up even more. Rodent control is one of those things that probably does not end up well for you.
The last thing we want is a bunch of mice or rats running around our houses at night. So when we notice them, we give in to our knee-jerk reactions and begin researching the best way to get rid of those little devils. Obviously, mousetraps are tried and true. However, they only kill the rodent already in your home. That is goal number one, but goal number two is to prevent them from coming back.
I am not talking about preventing zombie mice from coming back from the dead in search of your brains, or cheese. I am discussing preventing other families of mice from moving into your now vacant home. There are a lot of strategies floating around the world to keep mice from moving into your home. Some might work, and some might not. Hopefully, you find use in this article and learn to keep those little critters away for good.
Myth 1: Mothballs Deter Rodents
This strategy uses the naphthalene in the mothballs to prevent the blood cells in mice from carrying oxygen, similar to how mothballs work on moths. You are instructed to place these around rodent hotspots in your home. This includes basements, attics, crawlspaces, and near the entrances of nests.
The only problem is that mice and rats are much larger than moths. So the quantity of mothballs needed to deter a mouse is the same amount that can affect humans. So not only is this strategy not practical, but also dangerous to you and your family. As you might expect, that means this myth has been busted.
Myth 2: Rodents are Sensitive to Peppermint Oil
The pungent aroma of peppermint oil is supposed to be too much for a mouse or rat’s acute sense of smell. You will soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them at hotspots and entry points around your house.
The only problem is that mice and rats are commonly found in trash and sewers. If they can withstand that foul stench, peppermint oil will be a welcome change. You will, though, be successful at making your home minty fresh. Again, this myth is not as accurate as we’ve been led to believe.
Myth 4: Pets Are Effective Rodent Deterrents
This one requires a certain level of commitment. Getting a pet should get rid of your rats or mice. The pets will find joy in hunting the rodents, and soon you will be mouse free. However, mice and rats usually live in the walls, cavities, crawlspaces, attics, and basements of your home. You know, the places your dogs and cats aren’t living in.
While some cats are known to hunt a mouse or two, most pets do not go out actively hunting these things. For the most part, your pets do not care about rodents in the slightest. You will get a lifelong companion, but you will not get a rodent-free house.
Myth 5: Certain Smells Deter Rodents
Like the peppermint oil hack that saw no success, this one has some potential. The use of smells that mice and rats hate will drive them out of your home for good. These smells include cinnamon, vinegar, ammonia, and bleach. Mice and rats absolutely HATE these smells. But so do humans!
I do not want to live in a house with small cups of bleach and ammonia in every room. Think of the stench. Think of the health risks if your children drink them! The risks far outweigh the rewards on this one.
Want to rid your home or business of invading rodents?
How Can You Actually Deter Rodents?
Sometimes, these DIY remedies might seem to work; however, mice and rats are smart. They will not be fooled and tricked by your home remedies. They will find an unaffected corner of your home or find a new way in.
The most viable route to take in your home rodent control venture is not to deter or repel but to prevent. This means you need to remedy the issue before it becomes an issue. You can usually search around your home, find any entry points, and seal them.
Weather stripping can seal significant gaps and cracks in doors and windows. You can use foam sealer to fill in any other holes or gaps around your home. Mice and rats can get in through small spaces. You must be vigilant and thorough when rodent-proofing your home.
Mice and rats usually venture indoors for warmth in the winter or in search of food. Keeping your trash emptied, dishes cleaned, spills cleaned, and food stored securely can also help prevent the little devils. Keeping the vegetation around your home trimmed and neat can help, too.
Even the most secure home can become infiltrated by rodents. Do not be alarmed if this happens to you. The folks over at Emtec Pest Control can help you eliminate any pests and rodents you can think of. Give them a call today and find out how they can help you!
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.