Rats and mice will stay out of your home 'for good' if you use 4 natural items

Rats and mice are an unpleasant problem many households in the UK deal with. These unwanted visitors can cause serious damage to furniture, gnaw on wires, contaminate food, and leave droppings throughout your home. While there are traps and poisons on the market, many people prefer a more natural approach to pest control. One easy method that's often overlooked is using strong smells.

Because rodents have poor eyesight, they rely heavily on their sense of smell to detect food and danger. Using strong scents that they hate can disrupt this and drive them away. Pest control specialists at Eliminated Ltd have revealed four natural items you can use to help keep rats and mice out "for good", without using any harsh chemicals or expensive sprays.

Lavender might smell pleasant to humans, but rats and mice can't stand it.

Whether it's in oil form or from a fresh plant, the scent is strong enough to drive them away.

You can grow lavender indoors near entry points or make a DIY spray using a quarter to half a cup of lavender flowers mixed with a quarter cup of water.

Shake it well before use and spray in areas you think rodents may be hiding. Repeat monthly to keep the smell fresh and effective.

Citrus oils, such as lemon or orange, are packed with limonene, a compound found in many soaps and cleaning products.

It's known for its fresh scent, but it's also powerful enough to repel rodents.

Rats and mice hate the smell, so applying a few drops of diluted citrus oil near skirting boards, bins, or food storage areas could stop them from settling in.

Use sparingly or mix with water to reduce the strength, especially around pets.

Peppermint oil is one of the most popular natural repellents. The menthol in it is unpleasant for rodents, who associate it with danger.

To use it effectively, soak cotton balls with a few drops of peppermint oil and place them in corners, under appliances, or near gaps in walls.

The scent helps discourage rats and mice from returning to the area. You may need to replace the cotton balls every week or so.

Chilli powder works as a strong deterrent due to its pungent smell. It's also easy to get hold of and simple to use.

Mix two tablespoons of chilli powder with one litre of water to create a homemade spray, or sprinkle it dry behind cupboards, fridges, or under furniture.

The strong scent overwhelms their senses and helps keep them away from treated areas.