As winter approaches and homes become havens as temperatures drop, it’s common to find uninvited guests like mice and rats seeking shelter. These rodents can slip through gaps as minuscule as a pencil-sized crack.
They are not only cunning enough to find their way in through unsealed window gaps or wall cracks but can also navigate through gutters on rooftops. If you’re worried about a potential rodent invasion, don’t rush to set out poison—there may be an effective, natural deterrent lying in your kitchen cupboards.
Pest control specialists from Elite Extermination have suggested using something as simple as aluminium foil as a mouse repellent, stating: “It may seem like a folk remedy, but aluminium foil is actually an effective natural mouse repellent.”
Although it might appear odd, the experts clarify that because of its texture and toughness, aluminium foil is both an uncomfortable surface for mice to climb on and potentially harmful if they attempt to chew through it. Notably, mice have very sensitive hearing and the crinkling sound of foil can be enough to deter them due to the discomfort it causes, likely driving them to seek refuge elsewhere.
The experts at Elite Extermination advise: “To use aluminium foil to repel mice, wrap it around the objects you want to protect. You can also place balls of foil in strategic areas within your home,” reports the Express.
For those looking for a more lethal solution, baking soda has also been mentioned as a toxic substance for mice. An expert has revealed that due to their digestive system, mice are unable to burp or pass gas, and exposure to baking soda can be lethal as it reacts with the acids in their stomach to produce carbon dioxide gas. The specialist advised: “Baking soda is a common household product that is poisonous to mice. Simply sprinkle the product in areas where the intruder likes to go. You could mix the baking soda in with mouse bait: cereal, dried fruit, peanut butter, etc.
“However, you should avoid using this method if you have children or pets, as they may be tempted to eat the bait.” Ingesting a significant amount of baking soda can cause gas to build up, leading to stomach ache, and potentially severe health issues.
It’s advisable to stay safe and cautious. Nevertheless, for those seeking alternative non-poisonous solutions, the expert suggests utilizing strong scents like peppermint oil and lavender to deter mice, which have sensitive noses.