What Smells Do Rats Hate?

Having a rat problem? Don’t worry! You can do a few simple things to deter them, and one of those is using certain smells that rats hate.
Did you know that rats have a highly developed sense of smell? No wonder they’re so good at sniffing out food! This also means they’re very sensitive to certain smells, and there are a few that they really can’t stand. Check out the list below of smells that rats hate, and see if you can use them to keep your furry foes away.

Top 7 Smells That Rats Hate

Peppermint

Rats hate the smell of peppermint, so if you have rats in your home, try sprinkling some peppermint oil or leaves around. You can also try using a cotton ball soaked in peppermint oil and placing it where you think the rats are coming in. Just be careful not to put it somewhere where kids or pets can get to it, as peppermint oil can be toxic if ingested.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another scent that rats can’t stand. Try sprinkling some around your home or using a diffuser with cinnamon essential oil.

Garlic

The strong smell of garlic is another effective way to keep rats away. You can place cloves of garlic where you think rats are coming in or make a spray by mixing garlic and water.

Lavender

Lavender is known for its relaxing properties, but did you know that it also repels rats? Try placing lavender sachets in the nooks and crannies where rats might come in, or use a diffuser with lavender essential oil.

Pepper

Black pepper is another smell that rats hate. Try sprinkling it around your home or making a spray with water and black pepper.

Citrus

Rats hate the smell of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes. You can use fresh peels or essential oils to deter them.

Rodenticide

If you’re serious about getting rid of rats, you can try using a rodenticide, a poison that kills rats. This should be used as a last resort, as it can harm kids and pets if they come into contact with it.

When To Call The Professionals?

When it comes to getting rid of rats, you can do a few things on your own, but sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals. If you’ve tried all of the above and still see rats around your home, it’s time to call a pest control company. They will be able to identify where the rats are coming from and get rid of them for good.