Eliminating rodents like rats from your house is crucial to the well-being of you and your loved ones. If you have a rat infestation at your house, business, or other location, you need to learn how effectively deter these pests.
It’s been scientifically shown that rats have an exceptional sense of smell. There are several smells that rats find unpleasant, just as there are odors that attract them. If you understand how a rat’s sense of smell works, you’ll be more equipped to keep them from making your home theirs.
So, what are the smells that rats dislike?
1. Chemical smells rats hate
Of course, there are a variety of chemicals that can be used to deter rat infestations. However, many property owners are hesitant to employ these chemicals because of their toxicity to both humans and the environment. The odor of mothballs, for instance, is said to be particularly offensive to rats.
Mothballs contain a chemical called naphthalene, which has a strong odor that may discourage rodents. However, mothballs are harmful to humans if used in large quantities. The National Pesticide Information Center released an article describing this very situation (NPIC).
This story described how one man placed many boxes of mothballs in his basement because he had read that rats dislike the smell of mothballs. The next day, the man’s wife began having trouble breathing and got a persistent headache. When the man called the NPIC, he found out that mothballs give off a hazardous gas that can induce stomach upset, headaches, and breathing problems.
Rats may also be scared away by the pungent odors of strong poisonous chemicals like bleach, paint thinner, ammonia, and similar products. There is no proof, however, that rats are sensitive to the odor of these compounds.
Aside from chemical odors, several natural scents have shown potential in repelling rats.
Natural smells rats hate
If you want to know what odors rats detest that won’t harm the ecosystem and won’t make you sick, keep reading. We will also inform you as to whether or not these natural rodent repellents have any scientific evidence to support their claims.
