How to Get Rid of Rats Naturally – Peppermint Oil & Black Pepper

It’s no secret that homeowners are increasingly choosing to embrace natural remedies when it comes to a number of household items. From paraben-free shampoos to low-VOC paints and finishes, a huge number of customers are choosing to use eco-friendly options with low or no pesticides and harmful chemicals in them.

Accordingly, manufacturers are also coming up with diverse environmentally-sensitive options for use in and around the household. Wildlife removal is another area where this is increasingly being exhibited. In fact, one of the main reasons people dread having a rat infestation is because they don’t feel comfortable handling rat poison or having it around in their home where children or pets could accidentally come across it. Rat poison, which is commonly available, is not the only method of treating pests, but it’s often recommended as a cheap and simple solution.

The good news is that there are methods for treating rats and mice that involve 100% natural ingredients—some of which you might even have in your own home already. In 2016, poison control centers throughout the United States provided telephone support for nearly 2.159 million human toxin exposures. With these holistic remedies, you can feel good about keeping your home or business safe, clean, and rodent-free, while not becoming another toxin-related statistic.

What are rats and why do they need to be eliminated safely? A common rodent found worldwide, these sneaky critters can access the inner workings of your home through a hole the size of a coin. Once they’ve gained access, they breed at a rapid rate and can do both structural and aesthetic damage to your home or business.

They like to nest or burrow in secluded areas, such as attics, rafters, even inside walls and pipe systems. They’re especially attracted to areas near food sources and have caused many a restaurant or food service business to shut down. Left untreated they can also carry disease or aggravate allergies.

If you hear unidentified scratching or scurrying sounds, see unexplained droppings or other signs of a rodent infestation like chew marks around your home, you might have a rat infestation. While some people have infestations large enough to warrant a professional extermination, many infestations can be treated using simple methods available online or even some that are in your pantry already.

One of the most commonly-used and effective natural remedies for warding off rats is peppermint essential oil. This can easily be found online, in health food stores or in the organic section of major grocery stores. Peppermint smells strong and is unappealing to rats, but it’s completely harmless and chemical-free. To use it very effectively, mix with water and use in a spray bottle to spritz in corners and around entrances to nests or burrows. You can also apply a few drops to a cotton ball and place in affected areas.

Peppermint is so effective that even commercial pest control companies are marketing it as a toxin-free alternative to pesticides. Rodent Sheriff Ultra Pure Mint Formula, for example, has a peppermint-based product that comes ready to spray and is safe to use throughout your home. It’s a great chemical-free alternative—especially if you have children and pets running around—and it wards off other pests too, including raccoons, mice, and roaches.

Many people also appreciate that it’s a humane option that doesn’t kill rats, it just wards them off. The only downside is that it’s best used indoors, as rain is likely to wash it away. It’s also possible that some individuals may not appreciate the strong odor, although most people find peppermint to be a relatively pleasant scent. You can also opt for citronella or eucalyptus oil, which rats also tend to avoid.