Kitchen staple offers ‘double-whammy of protection’ against invasive mice as temperatures drop
Disturbing the senses of mices could stop them venturing into homes
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Barring unwanted rodents from homes can seem an insurmountable challenge at times, with mouse sightings significantly more common in February.
The first couple of months of the year are deemed the worst for rodent invasion in Britain due to a drop in temperature.
This incites critters to venture into homes for food and warmth and devour anything that crosses their path.
Speaking to GB News, experts have proposed several ways to bolster defences against the critters, focusing on potential entry points around the home.
Rodent invasions are more common during the first two months of the year
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Andrea Philips, from Airtasker, explained that staple household items like aluminum foil can be used strategically to stave off mice.
“Much like humans, there are some smells that mice absolutely hate - weirdly enough, they are some of the ones we love to cook with!” the expert explained.
“Garlic, peppermint, and spicy scents like cayenne pepper drive mice crazy, and they have a very sharp sense of smell.
“For example, you could put peppermint oil in cotton balls strategically where you suspect mouse activity as a natural repellent that is safe for households, pets and children and helps your home smell good.”
The natural ingredients contain potent menthol compounds that interfere with the acute senses of rodents, acting as a repellent.
Philips also suggested using aluminum foil in the same area as it is a highly unappealing material to rodents.
“Aluminum foil around the home is another effective deterrent for mice as they steer clear of it for some reason that we will possibly never know,” she pointed out.
“Lay the foil in the places with the highest concentration of mouse activity and wrap whichever foods you leave out to keep the little critters away from them.
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Rats and mice venture indoors in search of warmth and food
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“If you have some mouse entry points that are a little hard to patch, stuffing them with the soil acts as a double-whammy of prevention.
While the jury is still out on the efficiency of natural preventative measures, homeowners should make the cleanliness of their homes a top priority.
The single most important rule is keeping the areas in the home clear of food scraps, and leaving bin bags outside.
Identifying and blocking the small openings around the home is also essential for preventing entry, although small cracks may be hard to locate.